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.

Diagnostic & Early Intervention Services

Our Diagnostic and Early Intervention programs provide services for families with infants who have been diagnosed with a hearing loss from birth through age three.

Diagnostic Services

Evaluations and assessments are conducted by a multidisciplinary team in order to assess the specific strengths and needs of the child and family.


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 Hampden, Hampshire and Berkshire counties in Western Massachusetts—and Worcester County in Central Massachusetts. We provide guidance, resources, and strategies to help families support language development and learning for their child with a hearing loss.  Our philosophy is to support each family’s preference for communication approach—whether it be auditory/verbal, American Sign Language (ASL), or Total Communication, through home- and center-based services.

Our Early Intervention program hosts regular playgroup events at our school.  We welcome families to come and learn from our professionals while meeting other families and enjoying social play. 


Parent-Infant/Toddler Program (PIP)

The Parent-Infant/Toddler Program (PIP) supports families with children under the age of 3 who are Deaf or hard of hearing.  PIP helps cultivate language skills in infants and toddlers through enriching play-based activities and consistent access to ASL and English. Infants and toddlers in the program can develop positive self-esteem, responsibility, mindfulness, preliteracy skills, and enhanced relationships with people in their lives. PIP serves deaf and hard of hearing children birth to age 3 who are enrolled in Early Intervention programs across western and central Massachusetts.

Classes are on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Our PIP program is accepting new referrals.

Audiology Services

Curtis L. Blake Center for Audiological Services, located at our Longmeadow campus, offers comprehensive hearing health care.  Audiology management services are available for children as young as two years old; we also serve adult patients' hearing health needs.
  • Diagnostic hearing evaluations 
  • Communication needs assessment
  • Hearing aid consultation, fittings and orientation
  • Hearing aid adjustments, cleanings, and repairs
  • Hearing assistive technology services in public schools
  • Management of cochlear implants

Audiology Staff

We accept the following insurance providers in addition to cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.


We anticipate adding more insurances soon.


  • MassHealth
  • Medicare
  • Harvard Pilgrim
  • WellSense Health Plan 
  • Health New England
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield



Call
413-567-0374 EXT 110

or email Katie Peterson at kpeterson@wrsdeaf.org to schedule an appointment today!

CONTACT US
Audiology New Patient Forms

For ease of check in, please complete the forms below and email them to Katie Peterson at kpeterson@wrsdeaf.org. 


Or you can print them and bring them in with you to your appointment.

Intake Form Medical History Release of Information FDA Guidelines for Referral to ENT Notice of Privacy Practices

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 page here:  https://www.wrsdeaf.org/american-sign-language-classes

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