Category: Uncategorized

May 9th, 2023 – Saw a constructive meeting between Dan Shelton, Becky Ryan, and representatives from the DSEA, discussing matters on behalf of the Delaware Statewide Programs.

Main points and Takeaways

• • • The leadership structure change will still proceed as planned, with the underlying motivations now clarified and understood.

• • • There was an admittance that some past situations could have handled differently, which was viewed as a positive step.

• • • There is an acknowledgment of the need for improved collaboration and working together to figure out what’s best for the organization, the community, and outside groups.

• • • The focus right now is on finding a new Director and the next step is the interview process.

While there are inevitable uncertainties that come with change, the latest meeting between the DSEA and CSD leadership has shed light on the motivations and proposed direction for the future. It’s reassuring to see that both parties are dedicated to the continuous improvement and success of the Delaware Statewide Programs. The evolving situation calls for active engagement from all stakeholders to ensure that the best interests of the Deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children in the State are upheld. As the Delaware Association for the Deaf, we will continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for transparency and providing updates to keep the community informed. We encourage constructive dialogue and invite you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Together, we can navigate these changes and strive for a stronger and more inclusive future.

 

YAKIMA, Wash. — Sadie VanAllen thought she was giving her kids a shot at a better life when she moved from a two-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom house on Yakima’s west side. The new place had separate rooms for her two growing children and a fenced yard for play. Conveniently, it was only about a seven-minute drive from Whitney Elementary School, where both of her kids were enrolled in the Yakima School District’s deaf education program.

But the move put VanAllen and her children outside of the Yakima district’s boundaries, and school district officials told her she could no longer keep her children enrolled in its deaf education program. They would have to transfer into the West Valley School District, which does not have an equivalent program and contracts with a third-party company for interpreters.

For weeks, VanAllen tried to figure out a solution with Yakima officials, who agreed to let her children stay for the rest of the school year. But the experience left her and her children shaken and at times uncertain how long they could continue to access the education resources the kids need.

Read on at https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/02/28/deaf-students-entitled-education-but-theres-shortage-people-qualified-teach-them/30261.