Pre-school multiply handicapped students with hearing loss are serviced by SSSD's regular and support personnel. Students are selected on the basis of hearing loss in conjunction with another handicapping condition. Other handicapping conditions include, but are not restricted to, mental retardation, orthopedic handicaps, cerebral palsy, autism and psychological difficulties. The degree of the other handicapping conditions of Special School students must be severe enough to preclude a regular educational program offered in one of SSSD's other departments. The Special Needs Program curriculum allows for individualized planning and individualized instruction.
Total communication is used in all classrooms.
Because of its location, mainstreaming within SSSD's regular classes for students with capabilities in a particular area is readily available. The Special needs Program is also used as a transitional placement for student not yet ready to handle regular classroom placement. Classroom instruction emphasizes Daily Living Skills as listed in the Special Needs Program course. Emphasis is placed on hygiene, language, money, time, math and fine and gross motor skills. Support services available to the Special needs Program students include speech, physical therapy, audiology, physical education, adaptive physical education, counseling, home arts, shop, art and drama.