Academics & Services

Full-Time Instruction in a School for the Deaf 

Our Longmeadow Campus provides a center-based immersion environment in which deaf and hard of hearing students can learn together in an accessible setting. The campus offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum for students ages 3-22 that is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework and adapted for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Total Communication Approach

WRSD employs a Total Communication approach in our school programs. Individual communication needs of each student are based on comprehensive and ongoing assessment.  WRSD utilizes American Sign Language, spoken and written English, spoken English in combination with sign support as well as any and all augmentative communication tools deemed appropriate by the child’s IEP team.

Occupational & Physical Therapy

Occupational and Physical Therapy services are provided through third party contractors in accordance with the students' IEP.

School to Work Program

For students who wish to pursue vocational studies, WRSD offers a comprehensive School to Work Program that begins at age 14 with a job skills class and prevocational training. Internships are offered through various employers in surrounding communities. The goal of the program is to provide a successful transition from school to employment.

Partnership Campus

The Partnership Campus within the East Longmeadow Public Schools provides our deaf and hard of hearing students with the unique opportunity to attend school with hearing peers while receiving a Willie Ross School education in one of our specialized classrooms. This approach at the Partnership Campus combines the social and educational benefits of mainstream education with the individualized instruction and communication services provided at a school for the deaf.


Willie Ross School has licensed teachers of the deaf and support staff at the Partnership Campus schools, including on-site audiologists, physical education instructors and counselors. The full range of academic curricula is drawn from the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework and is adapted for deaf and hard of hearing students.


The partnership campus includes Mountain View Elementary School, Birchland Park Middle School and East Longmeadow High School.


Willie Ross students interact with public school students during lunch, recess and other activities.

Early Intervention Services

Our Early Intervention program provides services for families with infants who have been diagnosed with a hearing loss from birth through age three.

Early Intervention Services

The WRSD Early Intervention program serves deaf and hard of hearing children from birth to age 3 and their families who reside in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester Counties. We create an individual communication approach for each child, incorporating current research, evaluations of the child's abilities and parent input. The Early Intervention team provides both home​- and center-based services to families, developing and implementing plans that consist of, but are not limited to, the following concepts: 


  • Objective information is distributed and explained regarding hearing loss, audiological needs, auditory management, and communication methodologies​
  • Home visits are an integral part of early intervention services. Each family is assigned a "home teacher" who is an experienced Teacher of the Deaf, or Speech-Language Pathologist 
  • American Sign Language programs for parents are available on a family-by-family basis through home visits and in classes held at the Longmeadow campus 
  • Assistance is provided to parents and caregivers in the development of their child's communication skills using ASL, spoken English, or spoken English and ASL  
  • Coordination of appropriate access to other intervention services, primary care physicians, otologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) and other appropriate agencies 
  • When the child turns 3, the Early Intervention team supports families through the transition to preschool 
  • The team provides auditory (hearing) habilitation: speech and language therapy, learning to listen, finding ways for your child to communicate, and training on how to take care of hearing aids and cochlear implants 
  • Speech and language assessments 
  • Monthly playgroups are offered at WRSD's Longmeadow campus, for families to meet, socialize, and practice their American Sign Language 




For more information, please contact

Laurie Brown, EdS 

Director of Outreach Services 

Early Intervention Coordinator 

Email: ​lbrown@wrsdeaf.org 

Phone: 413-567-0374 

VP: 413-306-3970 

Audiology Services

Looking for our Clinical Audiology services?  Click the button below!

Clinical Audiology
The Curtis L. Blake Center for Audiological Services, located at our Longmeadow campus, offers comprehensive hearing health care for educational and outreach services. 

Dr. Joy Guay is WRSD's educational audiologist who supports students in our tuition program with their hearing health needs.

Educational Audiology

  • Diagnostic hearing evaluations 
  • Communication needs assessment
  • Hearing aid consultation, fittings and orientation
  • Hearing aid adjustments, cleanings, and repairs
  • Hearing assistive technology services
  • Management of cochlear implants
Deb Scanlon leads our Outreach Audiology program in public schools.

Outreach Audiology

  • Hearing aid consultation, fittings and orientation
  • Assist in purchasing and maintaining Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT)
  • Meet with students to check equipment and determine needs
  • Hearing assistive technology services in public schools
  • Provide information to faculty and staff related to classroom listening needs
  • Set up and train faculty and staff to use HAT equipment

Audiology Staff

Outreach & Consultation Services

Whether placed in a school for the deaf or a public school setting, WRSD believes children deserve services designed to meet their individual needs, delivered by professionals who understand their unique learning differences. Our Outreach program supports each individual student's language and communication needs as determined by their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team.

Direct Services to Students and Families

Working in collaboration with school district personnel, our Outreach team provides a  team provides a variety of services to deaf and hard of hearing students as well as their families. 


Teachers of the Deaf

Certified teachers of the deaf are available to meet the specific requirements of a child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan by providing direct instruction or consultation to support the best educational outcomes for students.

Speech and Language

Direct services and consultation provided by licensed professionals trained and experienced in working with deaf and hard of hearing children to support language development and learning.

Sign Language Instruction

In-school and in-home options available to students, their families, and the general community. WRSD may also contract with school districts for sign language classes for staff or students. In addition, formal American Sign Language (ASL) instruction as a foreign language requirement can be provided at the high school level.

Observation, Consultation, and Assessment

Our team can provide testing and observation reports designed to assist in education planning and transition services.

Audiology

Our Outreach audiologists provide evaluation, consultation, comprehensive equipment management, and training—including on-site equipment troubleshooting.

Services to Faculty and Professional Staff

Speech and Language consultation is provided by licensed professionals trained and experienced in working with deaf and hard of hearing children.


 Services include: 

  • Curriculum development and adaptation
  • Classroom accommodation
  • Communication approach
  • Teacher Supervision - regularly-scheduled supervision of teachers working with deaf and hard of hearing students

Partnership Programming for School Districts

Willie Ross School for the Deaf can develop, staff, implement and manage a program within school districts designed to meet the specific needs of a student population.

ASL Classes

Willie Ross School for the Deaf's sign language classes take place in the fall and spring each year. Classes meet once per week. Participants must be 16 years of age or older to attend. 


For more information on our community ASL classes, visit our ASL classes page by clicking the button below.

American Sign Language Classes
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