超有趣手語廣角鏡--莉娜手語工作坊

A youth worker signs for deaf students during a visit to Custer Battlefield National Monument.

Counselor Katie talks to her residents on North Cottage.

During a party on Hunter Cottage, girls use sign language to applaud the birthday girl.

In 1995, Cathedral Home for Children was asked to implement a residential treatment program for troubled deaf and hard-of-hearing children. This program is now nationally recognized.

North and Hunter Cottages are set up for deaf children and hearing children are integrated into the cottages. All counselors and youth workers sign ASL and/or ASE and the integrated hearing children are expected to learn sign language.

Recently, a new wing was added to the school with the express intent of adding special deaf-oriented classrooms. Equipped with a wooden floor (for vibrations), special lights, and computer technology, these classrooms are staffed with sign language proficient teachers and aides. Children may be integrated into hearing classrooms as their needs and abilities change.

All counseling and enrichment programs are part of the deaf education program and children participate as a group. This, along with the cottage and school design, immerses them in the deaf culture.

CHC’s service to our deaf or hard-of-hearing students continues after the children turn 18. They receive assistance in transitioning to independent living, including finding a job and managing money.