US Deaf Population Information
A Brief Summary of Estimates for the Size of the Deaf Population in the USA Based on Available Federal Data and Published Research:
- About 2 to 4 of every 1,000 people in the United States are “functionally deaf,” though more than half became deaf relatively late in life; fewer than 1 out of every 1,000 people in the United States became deaf before 18 years of age.
- However, if people with a severe hearing impairment are included with those who are deaf, then the number is 4 to 10 times higher. That is, anywhere from 9 to 22 out of every 1,000 people have a severe hearing impairment or are deaf. Again, at least half of these people reported their hearing loss after 64 years of age.
- Finally, if everyone who has any kind of “trouble” with their hearing is included then anywhere from 37 to 140 out of every 1,000 people in the United States have some kind of hearing loss, with a large share being at least 65 years old.
- Greater than 90% of children who are born deaf/hard of hearing have hearing parents.
Deaf Education
Deaf children often attend special schools or learning centers where various teaching methods are used to help communicate with and educate them in a way they can learn and become fulfilled, well educated and well rounded people. There are several different methods for communicating and educating deaf students, and some schools may use one two, or even more than two different ways combined. The two basic and most common ways of communicating with those who are deaf are the manual method and the oral method. The manual method of (deaf education) involves sign language exclusively, and teachers communicate with students solely through hand signaling. The oral method uses speech and speech reading to speak to students. Some deaf people are able to read lips, and this is often a result of the oral method of teaching.
In 1817, the American School for the Deaf was established. This school specializes in teaching deaf children exclusively, and was founded by those who believed that the manual method of sign language communication was optimal. Most teachers at the original schools for the deaf were also deaf themselves, so there were no issues in using sign language, since the teachers were well versed in it as well. As time went on and society adapted, it was soon realized that deaf children needed to be able to talk to other people who were not just deaf. There are now many different (deaf education) schools and special programs established all over the United States. The use of speech has been integrated in many instances, and it helps students learn to read lips, and to speak more clearly to others. This method also lets them talk to and socialize with their hearing peers.
There is no one wrong or right way to teach deaf students. Sign language has been shown to be just as effective as using the English language in may different studies. Often, deafness is look at as a form of a disability or a sickness, which can cause deaf children and adults to feel alienated from others. This is why effective communication skills and a good, solid education are so important. By ensuring that the deaf are treated equally, they can learn to become productive, happy members of society and talk to both those who are deaf and those who can hear. Good deaf schools can teach students all subjects and teach them how to talk to others in a way that allows them to express themselves and feel confident. Educating others, including those in the school system, about deafness and proper communication can help to bridge the gap and ensure that deaf students get a quality education.
The education of Deaf students involves ongoing research. Finding the best possible education for meeting your unique Deaf child’s needs will take time and much prayer.
Deaf Schools in the US
Note: SFH rarely recommends Deaf children living in the Deaf school dorm.
Every Deaf school is different. Do not assume anything. Thoroughly research the schools by interviewing current families, past families, and making multiple observations in the classroom(s). Then remember specifically your Deaf child’s needs and determine whether or not a particular school may or may not be able to meet their needs adequately.
Alabama
The state school in Alabama has a total communication program.
Alaska
Alaska State School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
State government site with listing of schools in Alaska. This listing includes a TTY number.
Arizona
Photos and general information about the school’s programs.
Arkansas
The website for the Arkansas School for the Deaf. Includes welcome video, history, and featured students.
California
California School for the Deaf, Fremont
Web page of the school for the deaf in Fremont.
California School for the Deaf, Riverside
School for the deaf in Riverside, CA
Colorado
Colorado School of the Deaf & Blind
Whether assisting students in their home districts or educating students, CSDB retains a skilled and talented staff that strives for excellence in all that they do and are deeply committed to maintaining quality services for all our students.
Connecticut
This historic school is in Hartford, Connecticut.
Delaware
Washington, DC
Kendall Demonstration Elementary School
The elementary school/middle school that is part of Pre-College programs at Gallaudet University.
Model Secondary School for the Deaf
The high school that is part of Pre-College programs at Gallaudet University.
Florida
Florida School for the Deaf and Blind
This school for the deaf is in St. Augustine.
Georgia
Located in Cave Spring, Georgia, the School offers day and residential programs which meet the academic, social and physical needs of students in a total communication environment.
Hawaii
Hawaii Center for the Deaf & the Blind
HCDB serves student from all of Hawaii’s school districts who may be placed at the Center or in mainstreamed settings.
Idaho
Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind
The ISDB vision is a safe, supportive environment for students where educational opportunities are provided to gain knowledge, skills, and values needed to perform to their potential in society.
Illinois
Official website of the school, located in Jacksonville. Information about program, services, news, sports, and an activity calendar.
Indiana
The Indiana School for the Deaf Community promotes academic and social excellence for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students through a Bilingual/Bicultural environment.
Iowa
Iowa School for the Deaf was founded in 1855, moved to its present 115-acre campus in 1870, and will celebrate its 150th Anniversary in 2005. To honor the 150th anniversary, renovate the public areas of our campus, and to provide more settings for our students and the public to interact, we remodeled the plaza in front of Long Hall.
Kansas
KSD is based in Olathe, Kansas.
Kentucky
School for the deaf based in Danville.
Louisiana
School for the deaf based in Baton Rouge.
Maine
Governor Baxter School for the Deaf
The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, encompassing the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf (the Center School), Statewide Educational Services (SES), and the Resource Center, offers an array of quality services to all deaf and hard of hearing students, their families, and the greater community.
Maryland
Information about the school’s two campuses, online newsletter, activity schedules, and more.
Massachusetts
Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Address, mission statement, and test scores for this ASL-using school in Boston.
Learning Center for Deaf Children
Bilingual-bicultural school for the deaf in Framingham.
Michigan
School history, sports information, and an online newspaper.
Minnesota
Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf
State school based in Faribault.
Mississippi
Mississippi School for the Deaf
The Mississippi School for the Deaf staff works conscientiously to enhance educational opportunities for our students. MSD’s educational theme “Quality Education for Every Child” emphasizes the dedication of MSD to provide the best service possible within the resources available.
Missouri
The school’s programs are operated on a K-12 structure with students moving through successive grades in each of the three school components; primary, intermediate and high school.
Montana
Montana School for the Deaf & the Blind
The Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind (MSDB) provides educational programming and/or consultant services for children with vision and/or hearing challenges from the ages of birth through 21. Programming at the school is based on individual student needs.
Nebraska
Nebraska School for the Deaf closed in 1998, no website available.
Nevada
No deaf schools in Nevada are available.
New Hampshire
Laurent Clerc Academy closed in 2009.
New Jersey
Bruce Street School for the Deaf
Day school for the deaf in Newark. Follows Total Communication philosophy.
New Jersey School for the Deaf – Katzenbach Campus
School for the deaf in Trenton. Basic information, staff, programs, and services.
New Mexico
New Mexico School for the Deaf
School for the deaf in Santa Fe
New York
Lexington is in Jackson Heights, New York.
Bilingual-bicultural school in Nesconset, New York.
Since 1876, the school has provided the educational solution for thousands of parents who want the very best for their deaf children.
Mill Neck Manor School for Deaf Children
School for the deaf in Mill Neck.
Also known in the deaf community as “Fanwood,” this school is based in White Plains.
St. Mary’s School for the Deaf
This school is based in Buffalo, New York.
North Carolina
North Carolina School for the Deaf
News, school history, online alumni magazine, and more
Central North Carolina School for the Deaf
A student-created website for the school.
North Dakota
North Dakota School for the Deaf
The school is in Devils Lake, North Dakota.
Ohio
School for the Deaf in Columbus Ohio. Established in 1829.
This school is in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oklahoma
Every student will be equipped for life-long learning, responsible citizenship, and productive employment in an ever-changing society.
Oregon
We believe that each student can learn, and accept the challenge of providing a nurturing environment which allows each student to fulfill his/her potential.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
Third-oldest school for the deaf in the United States.
Scranton State School for the Deaf
State school for the deaf in Scranton.
Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
Home page of the WPSD.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island School for the Deaf
The RISD offers a wide range of educational programs to approximately 200 deaf and hard of hearing youngsters (and their families) ages birth through high school, with 100 children in the elementary program, 50 in the junior senior high school, and 50 families in the early intervention and preschool programs.
South Carolina
South Carolina School for the Deaf & Blind
Deaf school in Spartanburg, South Carolina. A tour through the School for the Deaf reveals small classes, experienced and enthusiastic teachers, talented support staff, deaf role models and, above all, students ready and eager to learn.
South Dakota
South Dakota School for the Deaf
School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Tennessee
Home page of the school, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Texas
Web site of the school for the deaf in Austin, Texas.
Utah
Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind
Campuses in Ogden and Salt Lake City.
Vermont
Austine School for the Deaf
Unfortunately Austine is now closed.
Virginia
Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind
This school is based in Staunton, and also has a branch at Hampton.
Washington State
Washington School for the Deaf
Deaf school in Vancouver, Washington
West Virginia
West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
Our school, its students and staff are very proud of the campus and academic programs offered here. The school has a rich history dating back to 1870, and spans the new millennium with the latest in current educational practice and theory.
Wisconsin
Home page of the Wisconsin School for the Deaf, in Delavan.
Milwaukee Sign Language School
nurturing, academic environment where deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children come together in mutual respect and understanding of the world’s diversity
Wyoming
The Mae Olson Education Center (at the Cathedral Home for Children)
Fully-accredited K-12 school which includes a deaf education program. Recently expanded to include three new high-tech classrooms for our deaf students. Nonprofit residential treatment program for children. This program is designed to help troubled and traumatized children (abused children) rebuild their lives. They provide a home, schooling and love to these children through a comprehensive program.