Marion County’s Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program strives to be an educational leader in the Florida schools for mainstream Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Here at South Ocala Elementary School, we know we are tasked with being most of these student’s first language models using American Sign Language. We strive to provide multiple language users to expose these students to a language rich environment. We believe in a Bicultural- Bilingual approach, exposing children to American Sign Language while also providing speech therapy, auditory training, reading, and writing. We also endeavor to match each individual student’s language and educational needs.
The students are educated in a visually accessible, positive, and nurturing environment that emphasizes literacy and effective communication skills. We have adapted a Fairview Reading program that encourages reading through the use of American Sign Language, understanding multiple meaning words, and decoding context clues.
We strive to provide an inclusive environment to students throughout their day! From the moment they arrive on campus we try to immerse them in language: there are culturally sensitive posters using American Sign Language, morning announcements are interpreted, all academics and socialization in class are accessible via American Sign Language, to after school activities providing language access.
Our ultimate goal is to foster students to be able to achieve true language and communication literacy in order to be successful life-long learners and independent, thriving adults.
We are fully committed to your children learning. You can help! You are a vital part of your child’s learning. We would love to help you learn sign language and will search for classes whenever you request it. We can send home vocabulary flashcards as well. Please let us know how we can help you learn your child’s first language! We are here to help in any way we can.
Our Beliefs
Education is a shared responsibility of our teachers, Sign Language interpreters, parents, students, and the community.
Students are immersed in a language-rich environment filled with exposure to both American Sign Language and English throughout their day. This will allow students to develop their own identities in the community, as well as gain self-confidence and self-respect.
Language is the key that opens opportunities in this world. Resources and language support are offered to the students, parents, and the professionals that serve them in order for the students to acquire the language needed to thrive in life.
The development of a student as an individual is vital to the advancement of a positive self-identity, self-acceptance, and a lifetime of contentment and successes.