mps board approves plan to move deaf and hard-of-hearing students from Milwaukee sign language school to neeskara

As of Thursday, March 26, the Milwaukee Public School Board of Directors has voted to relocate the district’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing program. Currently, deaf and hard-of-hearing students who struggle to learn in a mainstream environment are sent to study in the sign language program at Milwaukee Sign Language School. After concerns about the level of adequate support that deaf students were receiving, the district voted 8-0 to move the program to Neeskara School. The district is currently working to refurbish the curriculum to make sure that it benefits those who need it most. 

The move to Neeskara will begin next year. At Neeskara, these students will be given better access to accommodations, trained teachers, and other support needed to help them succeed. This change is supported by the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf, a group made by and for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Those in the district are hopeful that the move will lead to improved learning plans for deaf students.