The Bridge Program
The International Deaf Academy's Bridge Program is a crucial initiative addressing the specific needs of deaf and hard of hearing children, especially considering the challenges they often face in traditional educational settings. By offering two levels of support, the program acknowledges the diverse needs of deaf children at different stages of their educational journey.
The Bridge Program for Pre-Schoolers lays a strong foundation for deaf children, focusing on essential skills such as
Emotional Development
Conversation Skills
Early Literacy
Social Skills
This is particularly important considering the language deprivation many deaf children experience at home, which can hinder their ability to engage effectively in school environments.
Similarly, the Bridge Program for School Children is tailored to address the academic and socio-emotional needs of older deaf students who struggle to keep pace with their peers due to language delays and other challenges.
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Providing academic support, language, literacy, and numeracy skills development alongside attention to social and emotional well-being is essential for ensuring these students have the resources and support necessary to succeed academically and socially.
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Overall, the Bridge Program plays a vital role in ensuring deaf and hard of hearing children have access to the support and resources they need to thrive in educational settings. By addressing the unique challenges faced by these students, the Bridge Program can help bridge the gap and empower deaf children to reach their full potential.
