A Partnership with Newton Public Schools
Following the recent dissolution announcement of Bedford-based EDCO Collaborative, the DHH community expressed concern about losing a critical program. The EDCO DHH program has been serving students of greater Boston for over 50 years. Established in 1973, the program was the first high school program for the deaf and hard of hearing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It now also includes middle school students and is located at both F.A. Day Middle School and Newton North High School. Students come to the program from Newton and surrounding towns and cities.
The Newton Public Schools announced today that the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program will remain in operation in the district, thanks to a new partnership. The management and operation of this high-quality, inclusion-based program will be assumed by CAPS Collaborative, a Westminster-based organization serving school districts across the Commonwealth. Since the 1980s, CAPS has offered a similar DHH program for Pre-K through Elementary school. With the goal of keeping current EDCO students with their established peer group, CAPS will partner with Newton schools allowing for a stable, holistic learning pathway for all DHH K-12 students.
Within the current program, DHH students have access to challenging academic curriculum, advanced career and vocational technical training and individualized support for functional academics and independent living. With a broad array of options, students can explore and develop knowledge and competencies needed for successful post-secondary outcomes.
“We are thrilled to be able to continue to partner with the Newton Public Schools to operate this important program,” said Courtney Dunne, Program Director. “The partnership with CAPS will provide continuity for our current students and continued access not only to an outstanding academic program, but also to the rich array of activities and programs offered in the Newton Public Schools.”
The Pre-K through elementary program will continue to operate out of Central Massachusetts, while the middle and high school program will continue operation in Newton. Students and staff will be welcomed in Fall 2021 as part of the CAPS Collaborative community.
