Manitoba Services for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

A continuum of educational options is available for Manitoban students who are deaf and hard of hearing:

Students who communicate orally, using their speech, speechreading and hearing skills, or who use American Sign Language (ASL), can register to attend classes in their home school. Some school divisions “pool or cluster” resources and house school-based programs within their division. These programs are designed to serve a number of deaf and hard of hearing students through the provision of a variety of specialized supports. Home school or program services may be comprised of any combination of the following: Consultants for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Teachers of the Deaf, Interpreters, Computerized Notetakers, Speech and Language Pathologists, Educational Assistants and Audiologists. School divisions can also request support from members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Unit Provincial Outreach Team (described below).

Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, who use American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary mode of communication, or who require ASL to gain full access to the school environment, can alternatively register to attend the Manitoba School for the Deaf, which offers a Bilingual (ASL/English) – Bicultural (Deaf/Hearing) school environment. Students complete the regular curriculum receiving (specialized) instruction from teachers who specialize in Deaf Education. They also have access to the services of an extensive Resource Team comprised of a number of on-site clinicians. More detailed information can be found on the Manitoba School for the Deaf website.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Unit Provincial Outreach Team provides a variety of services throughout the province (see map -- 163 KB ). The team provides information so that informed decisions can be made regarding educational placement; provides services as requested to students and involved school division personnel; and connects with all deaf and hard of hearing students in the province, providing networking and professional development opportunities.

Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services:
Karen Priestley
206 - 1181 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0T3
Phone: 204-945-2051
Email: karen.priestley@gov.mb.ca

Consultant Outreach Team:
242 Stradford Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2Y 2C9
Fax: 204-945-1767