PROGRAMS

Deaf & Hard of Hearing

An environment valuing language and diveristy, students are offered an opportunity to learn in both integrated and self-contained settings.

Take the First Step

CAPS Deaf & Hard of Hearing (DHH) programs welcome students ages 3-18 with diverse language and communication needs.

Complete Access to Learning & Activities

This inclusive learning climate empowers your student to join their peers for all activities at the program’s public host school. This includes:

  • Integrated general education courses with supplemental aides and services
  • Self contained, small group instruction led by Teachers of the Deaf
  • Full range of academic and extra-curricular offerings from host school
  • Transition planning for major milestones
  • Vocational opportunities and career training

Unwaivering Support Systems

Programming is designed to meet individual learning needs with a specific regard for language and communication access. The CAPS DHH Program provides services for students using American Sign Language (ASL), audition and spoken English with sign language support. Students have opportunities for small-group instructions and full inclusion in the general education settings. The program supports and accommodates your student’s primary mode of communication and their use of hearing assistive technology (e.g. hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM/DM systems, etc.) in the classroom. 

Providing meaningful learning opportunities to foster academic and social excellence, your CAPS DHH support team consists of Teachers of the Deaf, ASL/English Educational Interpreters, a Counselor, Speech Language Pathologists, Education Audiologist and Paraeducators. This specialized team works your student to develop confidence and fundamental self-advocacy skills needed to be successful in various settings.

Support Beyond Direct Care

CAPS interdisciplinary staff strives to go beyond direct care for your student to ensure an equitable learning environment. They educate families, colleagues, and faculty and staff in the program’s public host school on topics such as:

  • Hearing loss basics and classroom implications
  • Deaf culture, history and norms
  • Language and learning needs
  • Accessible curriculum, materials, and instruction
  • Hearing assistive technology
  • How to work with an interpreter and/or notetaker
  • Support with closed-captioning
  • Classroom accommodations

Personalized observation and consultation is available upon request.

*Individualized Education Plan

Location Icon

High School

Newton North High School
457 Walnut St
Newton, MA 02460

Middle School

Bigelow Middle School
42 Vernon Street
Newton, MA 02458

Elementary School

Page Hilltop Elementary
115 Washington Street
Ayer, MA 01432

Pre-School

Page Hilltop Elementary
115 Washington Street
Ayer, MA 01432

Contact Icon

Contact & Hours

Courtney Dunne
Program Director
978-632-2208 x 250
Email Courtney
8:30AM–2:30PM

He Feels Like Anything is Possible

“The move to CAPS has been one of the best decisions in my life. William is thriving! His academic progress is incredible. He is part of a wonderful school community that has embraced the CAPS students. He has new friends, both deaf and hearing. And most importantly he feels like anything is possible and there is no limit to what he can do and achieve. Thank you CAPS!”

Jen – Grade 6 Parent

She Flourishes Where She Once Felt She Failed

“I have watched my daughter’s self-esteem, self-worth and self-acceptance flourish both educationally and emotionally. Now she accepts this world for her own taking, in a direction she gets to choose as an incredible Deaf teen. She now has the confidence to walk her own path with the help and the push of this program and its amazing teachers and support staff.”

Ronelle – Grade 9 Parent

Group photo of five CAPS Deaf and Hard of Hearing students posing together in front of the stage, two of them holding bouquets of flowers.

Talent and Teamwork: Another Student Production in the Books

Our Deaf and Hard of Hearing middle schoolers shined in their latest production, Artist Retreat! Plus, the combination of including ASL into the actual script together with the new interpreter seating section made this show a fantastic example of inclusion.

Three students from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program striking theatrical poses on the set of The Lightning Thief.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students Star in The Lightning Thief Production

This past weekend, three students from the CAPS Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, charmed audiences with their engaging performance at Bigelow Middle School in Newton, MA. In fact, it’s one of the first schools in Massachusetts to perform “The Lightning Thief” for live audiences.

Two photos: One photo features a CAPS DHH female student signing in front of a 3rd grade class. The second photo features Mikey R. at the State House with his family accepting his 2020 Outstanding Youth Advocate Award.

Students Making a Difference and Advocating for the DHH Community

Advocating for themselves, their peers, and the future DHH community, four of our students have taken the lead to educate others and engage in meaningful, powerful conversations with our youth.

A Word

From Our Executive Director

"CAPS is an extraordinary organization that provides special education programs and services to students aged 3 to 22. The incredible students enrolled in our Gateway, Senators, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, and Kelly Day programs benefit from a variety of supports to meet their individual needs.."

-Sheri D'Annolfo