Why choose Central Iowa Deaf Academy?

Studies show 97% of deaf and hard of hearing children are born to hearing families.

97% of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children are born to hearing families (2004, Mitchell and Karchmer). Of those families, 90% use a spoken language as their primary language in the home (Holcomb, 2014). Children in these homes do not hear and understand 100% of the spoken language and many understand very little. Without visual access to language (signing peers, teachers, families, etc.) these children miss critical incidental information.

We desire a partnership with existing organizations to support deaf and hard of hearing students.

We deeply value every person and organization currently working in this space - including Iowa School for the Deaf, area public school districts, and Heartland and surrounding AEAs, and we long to foster partnerships to provide the best services for our deaf and hard of hearing students.

There is a shortage of ASL Interpreters and Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Currently, there is a shortage of both ASL interpreters and Teachers of the Deaf in Iowa. By creating a hub for Deaf education, we can consolidate resources to better serve this population.

Typical educational environment is helpful but lacking in some ways.

A typical educational environment for current DHH students in Iowa may include hearing assistive technology and/or a sign language interpreter. Even though both accommodations are valued, children still experience feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Students have the opportunity for direct communication and family support.

At Central Iowa Deaf Academy, students will have direct communication with peers, teachers, and staff. Central Iowa Deaf Academy will also provide support and ASL instruction to families, fostering strong family connections.