Sessions focus on mastering emergency contact information, understanding assistive device technology, and utilzing survival skill strategies that relate to everyday communication situations and safety. At MSSD, lab activities help students develop and become ready to transition beyond high school. Students are involved in practical activities to promote development of communication competencies and self assessment of future communication needs. Practice is provided related to interviewing skills, job applications, use of interpreters, and use of effective communication strategies. TTY training opportunities are provided where students make actual phone calls to set up appointments and request information.
Students also have training to practice using relay services.
Students learn to become informed consumers related to the purchase of assistive devices, hearing aid warranties and insurance, and availability of agency and consumer resources. The lab concept is also used to assist students in the management of their hearing health care. Students become knowledgeable about their personal hearing loss and communication skill profile so they can advocate for their consumer rights and needs beyond high school. National Mission Activities Communication Specialists are involved with gathering and sharing information related to service provision for deaf and hard of hearing students that is of interest to audiences locally, nationally and internationally. Working with agencies and organizations to establish workshops for students and professionals on a variety of topics related to communication.