Letter to the Governor of Pennsylvania

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June 19, 2009

Dear Governor Quinn,

The Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) views with alarm the proposed closing of the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD). Such closure would be devastating to Ilinois deaf and hard of hearing children and their families.

The Illinois School for the Deaf offers high quality, comprehensive services to deaf and hard of hearing children and their families throughout Illinois. It provides:

• Educational programming for children and youth from birth through age 21. Nearly 300 students are served on ISD's campus.
• An academic and social environment that is completely accessible to students through the use of sign language. Full access ensures that students are full, participating members of their school community and later, productive employees and citizens.
• Local and statewide resource services to families, professionals, agencies and communities. In FY 09 ISD served and additional 3907 students indirectly and trained 1335 individuals. ISD's Hearing ad Vision Connections program trained 1240 participants.

ISD is accountable to the citizens of Illinois. It is accredited by the North Central Association and our organization, CEASD. It is monitored by the Illinois State Board of Education. It complies with all relevant state and federal policies. It is one of the madated placement options under the Individuals with disabilities Education Act.

While we understand that budget shortfalls are foricng difficult decisions in every state, we object to the recommendation to terminate this longstanding - since 1839 - successful statewide program. We respectfully suggest that there are other ways to meet Illinois's fiscal needs.

We trust that you will work with other Illinois policy makers and citizens to arrive at a budget that does not harm deaf students and their families.

Founded in 1868, CEASD is committed to the promotion of excellence within a continuum of equitable educational opportunities for all children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing and supports the efficient and effective management of schools, programs, program service centers, and governmental units offering educational and related programs and services. CEASD's membership consists of over 100 member schools and programs serving over 12,000 deaf and hard of hearing children and their families.

For your information, I have attached the CEASD Position Paper on The Full Continuum of Educational Placements for All Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

CEASD stands ready to assist in any way we can in support of Illinois deaf and hard of hearing students and their families. Thank you for considering our views.

Sincerely,

Edward Bosso
President

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