DESTINY is a Web-based automation system Rochester School for the Deaf students and staff can use to access RSD library information and services. Read more about DESTINY.

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Technology is a seamless and integral part of the educational process at RSD. From the youngest child in preschool to the high school graduate preparing for life after RSD, technology plays a vital role in enhancing student learning in all aspects of the curriculum. For deaf children who rely on visual access to learning and instruction, the impact of technology is crucial not only to the educational process, but for the independence and freedom it brings to daily life.

Pagers, text cell phones, and videophone technology have made it possible for deaf individuals to have equal access to information. Videophones are widespread throughout campus in public areas and are used for instruction within the speech/communication department. A visual messaging system is utilized on campus so that any announcement that is made over the public address system is also captured in text and flashed across a message board in every classroom and public area.

RSD remains on the cutting edge of technology through the offering of technology programs such as:

• The RSD Video Production Studio allows students to produce news broadcasts, daily school announcements, and student interest films using state-of-the-art video technology, captioning and video editing equipment. RSD student produced films have been featured at the bi-annual Deaf Rochester Film Festival.
• State of the art Computer Labs in the preschool and on every floor in the main school building. Technology instructors teach courses on computing skills and the application of those skills in real-world problem-solving explorations in grades Preschool - 12.
• In addition to the computer labs, students have desktop computers or Laptop Carts available to them for use in the classroom. This allows them immediate access to virtually 1:1 computing at any time throughout the day.
• Distance Learning opportunities through videoconferencing are utilized to connect with cultural institutions, other schools at home and abroad, and famous authors and experts who share their knowledge and excitement of the world with our students through a visual medium.
• Computer-Enhanced Learning: RSD supports the integration of the latest technology into every aspect of a student's learning and development experience. Teachers employ technology such as videophones, uniphones, and TTYs to explore different kinds of communication opportunities. A variety of computer programs are available, such as Vis-A-Pitch (provides visual information about sound), Earobics I and II (addresses speech sounds and prerequisites to reading), and various programs that render pictures to enhance vocabulary and concept learning.
• The Multi-Sensory Sound Lab: RSD's state-of-the-art sound lab enables students to experience sound through visual, tactile and auditory channels. The room-sized array of instrumentation brings sound to life, making it concrete, real and highly enjoyable.

Ethical Practices Instruction

At the core of our ethical values is a youth ethics initiative called The Six Pillars of Character. These pillars form the foundation all interactions and professional relationships at RSD.

The Pillars include:

• Trustworthiness
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Fairness
• Caring
• Citizenship

These attributes are derived from a Josephson Institute model entitled "Making Ethical Decisions."

Natural Helpers

Natural Helpers is a peer-helping program used across the United States. At RSD this program can be implemented among our high school students who want to strengthen their communication and helping skills, to provide support to others and service to their school and home communities.

The concept is based on the premise that within every school, there exists an informal helping network. Students with problems naturally seek out other students and occasionally teachers or staff whom they trust. The totally voluntary program provides ongoing training to those students and staff who are already perceived as natural helpers.

Career Development Occupational Studies (CDOS)

All RSD students participate in educational programs and activities that help them become knowledgeable about the world of work. They are also given the opportunity to explore career options, and relate personal skills aptitudes and abilities to future career decisions.

Students who express interest and aptitude in a specific career area will acquire the career-specific technical knowledge/skills necessary to progress toward gainful employment, career advancement, and success in postsecondary programs. CDOS classes and CDOS activities integrated into academic classes promote exploration and research into broad career areas of interest. Basic principles of career planning such as decision-making, self-evaluation, and goal-setting are included.

Teachers at RSD aspire to use a balanced literacy framework of activities in which students receive context embedded-exposure to the full range of literacy activities to enhance development. Teachers use opportunities for discussion, modeled reading and writing, word study including phonemic awareness, shared reading and writing, and skills instruction driven by the context of the learning situation. Teachers arrange instruction to suit the academic language and instructional needs of the students whom they teach.

One component of RSD's literacy instruction is the use of the Fairview Program. This program capitalizes on student strength in a primary language (ASL) to serve as a bridge to comprehension in English. For students whose primary language is not ASL, the Fairview Program teaches students in a fully accessible presentation the concepts behind English words and language. The components of Fairview provide instruction in basic sight word vocabulary, bridge phrases and phonemic awareness during reading comprehension lessons. The Fairview Program also includes expressive and receptive American Sign Language and English language development.

One of the truly distinguishing characteristics of RSD is the opportunity for students at every age group to be in contact with extraordinary adult Deaf role models. Students identify and relate to deaf professionals who are supportive, nurturing and inspiring.

To reinforce these important attributes, RSD integrates a formal deaf studies curriculum, which is completely aligned with New York State's Social Studies Curriculum standards.

Beginning in Kindergarten and continuing through 12th grade, the curriculum incorporates the following:

• Deaf Identity
• American Deaf Culture
• American Sign Language
• Deaf History
• Social Change
• Technology and Communication

These study areas are supported by a comprehensive array of materials, events and the opportunity to meet highly accomplished deaf professionals including, artists, musicians, explorers and entrepreneurs.

Transition into the adult world presents challenges for all young people. This process is even more difficult for children with disabilities and requires strategies to enable each student to achieve the maximum possible independence in working, living and participating in the adult community. As part of the Individual Education Plan (IEP), students ages 14 to 21 are eligible for special education services. Our transition planning team creates a coordinated set of activities, designed to prepare students for successful outcomes.

Outcomes may include:

• Postsecondary education
• Employment
• Vocational training
• Adult education and adult services
• Independent living
• Community participation

The set of activities for each student is based on the student's needs, preferences and interests. The activities must include instruction, community experiences, and development of employment or other post-school adult living objectives.