Services are provided in keeping with contemporary practice, designed around the individual needs of each student, and provided in partnership with school personnel, parents and the community. Guiding Principles Peer socialization is integral to the successful education of deaf children and the maintenance of the their self-esteem. Deaf and hearing impaired students should be prepared for success in both the hearing and deaf cultures. Some aspect of inclusion should be integrated into the educational process. Accessibility for the entire deaf community of WNY and students with other disabilities as well as faculty and staff ensures that nobody with a need for SMSD services is excluded from using the SMSD facilities.
Education is a lifelong process, with different needs at different times of ones life.
Cooperation and collaboration are a better use of resources than competition. All students have the right to learn and be respected in a positive school climate. An educational services continuum will be welcomed to help ensure that all deaf individuals have the opportunitv to be successful in achieving their personal goals. SMSD will attract new non- traditional student populations and serve the additional students in an effective, efficient and professional manner. SMSD will attract and retain increasing numbers of deaf students and serve the additional students in an effective, efficient and professional manner.