Communication & Language Philosophy

Multimodal- Multilingual

The Communication & Language philosophy at SFDS is designed to meet the needs of all our students and employees.  SFDS recognizes that open and abundant communication plays an important role in human development. The school affirms the right for students and employees to have access to, and to understand all communications within SFDS, and to be understood. It is required that all employees provide that access to communication by signing whenever a Deaf adult or student is present.  It is essential that all employees have appropriate signing skills to fulfill their job duties.  Multimodal and Multilingual approaches are used, including American Sign Language (ASL), Tactile-ASL, Spoken English, Written English, Braille and Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC). 

ASL & English

ASL and English are two different languages. Therefore, the two languages should not be used simultaneously. Assigning a sign to each spoken word cannot work without doing damage to both languages. We make sure to use the correct sign language and the correct English. However, sometimes a visual aid can make communication easier for someone who has difficulty hearing speech. In these cases, we borrow signs from ASL in order to make visual spoken communication. This should not be confused with ASL, which has its own grammar and a different word order from English.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

Some Deaf, DeafBlind or Deaf Disabled (DDBDD) students may receptively comprehend language either through ASL, Tactile-ASL or spoken English. However, some may not be able to express language through ASL or spoken English. It is therefore essential that other methods of expressive communication are established. The overall aim of the provision of AAC is to provide each student with an effective mode to initiate and maintain a communicative interaction with as large an audience as possible.  Therefore, some students use other modes to express themselves including Tangible/Visual Symbols, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Mid-Tech Devices (i.e.- simple voice output devices) and High-Tech Devices (i.e., iPads with speech generating software).  Language profiles & planning is an ongoing process supported by continuous use of data collection and evidence-based practices. AAC systems are carefully selected and implemented systemically to ensure students effectively communicate and develop language skills.