Program Intent
Our W.I.S.E. program Printable brochure recognizes that student diversity enriches the educational experience for all children.
The purpose of this statewide program is to assist students who are hearing to better understand the common experiences of their peers who are deaf or hard of hearing. W.I.S.E. training provides an opportunity for students who are hearing to become more understanding and empathetic to the needs of their peers who are deaf or hard of hearing by recognizing the diversity of all students. The student who is deaf or hard of hearing is given the opportunity to express their feelings and share some of the challenges they experience in their everyday lives. They also may choose to answer questions their peers have about being deaf or hard of hearing.
This program uses a hands-on, experiential education model and incorporates group activities and discussions.
Program History
The W.I.S.E. Diversity Awareness program began in 1996 as an offshoot of the Public School Outreach Regional Peer Support program. The group leaders began noting that students who completed these programs were more willing to express their feelings regarding their hearing loss. As a result, the W.I.S.E. Program was created to promote awareness of the needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as to educate all students about diversity.
The W.I.S.E. program annually serves over 800 children statewide. Comments from teachers, directors of special education, speech/language therapists, principals, parents and students have been very favorable.
Program Components
To assist with the development and implementation of a specialized program for each student who is deaf or hard of hearing, consultation occurs with their case manager, classroom teacher, parent(s) and a Public School Outreach consultant
The program consists of a variety of activities focusing on topics such:
• Communication
• Respecting diversity
• Assistive technology
• Life with a hearing loss
Facilitators
Facilitators are PSO staff members who have a background in deaf education, recreation therapy, child development and/or experiential education.
W.I.S.E. Diversity Awareness Criteria
• Session length of 2 - 2 1/2 hours
• Class presentation size of up to 45 students
• Classroom teacher's participation is required
• Other service providers are encouraged to participate
• The student with a hearing loss must be present - if absent, the program will be rescheduled
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