Relocating poss to Greenville/Spartanburg & have deaf son 10yrs (Charleston: neighborhood, school district)

[signmom98]

Hey all, My hubby and I are seriously considering moving from CA to SC. We have been here all our lives, we're still a young family, but we can't afford CA anymore. My hubby has a good job, but it's so expensive out here and now I'm having to go back to work just to be somewhat comfortable. Anyway, we have two boys. The oldest is 10 and he's Deaf. The youngest is 5 1/2 and he's hearing. We are looking somewhere in the Greenville/Spartanburg area bc they have the South Carolina School for the Deaf there. My son is in a Deaf and Hard of Hearing program in a regular school district right now. It's a great program and he's really smart so his opportunities for a great education are our main concern. Does anyone know anything about the school for the Deaf or any other cities in SC that have Deaf/Hard of hearing programs? My hubby's work possibilities would probably be more near the Charleston area, but he could look near or closer to Greenville/Spartanburg bc of the school situation. Any help or advice or places to look on the net would be greatly appreciate. Also, what's the best way to find a wage comparisons and utilities comparison..........things like that? I'd like to see something that has a comparison of the 2 states. Sorry this is so long, but hhhhhheeeeellllllppppp? lol, please.

[Brian]

I would steer away from SCSDB as education for the deaf is not very good. I would advise you to look into public schools with deaf/hard-of-hearing/hearing-impaired programs elsewhere in South Carolina.

I am unable to find any info on public schools with programs for the deaf/hh/hi. You might want to contact the Outreach Services at SCSDB - they should be able to give you list of regular schools with the programs. The website is: http://www.scsdb.k12.sc.us/outreach

[signmom98]

Brian, thanks for your response. Not such a good education program for the Deaf at SCSDB, huh? My main concern is the education that my son will get if we move there. So, just curious, how do you know that their education for deaf isn't good? I would love anymore input you have on this school or if you find anything out about the public schools. Lemme know, thx.

I haven't been able to find any info on publics schools with such programs, either. I have been in contact with the Admissions person at SCSDB and she sent me info on their school, but I will def contact the Outreach Services. Thanks again for your input and anything else you find out.

[ChristopherinSC]

I don't know from first hand but there is a school here in Greenville called the school for the deaf and blind. As from what I have seen on tv, (I know that don't mean much) But it looks like a good school. And seem like the kids they show on there were haveing a good time. But don't know too much about it like I said. Just thought I would add my two cents in...

[southernnative]

Brian, where did you get your information? I can't offer any first-hand experience with the SCSDB, but I lived in Spartanburg for 14 years and heard only good things about the school.

[chicagoan]

I don't know if you have already seen this but here is a link to data on the school from the Dept. of Ed.

http://ed.sc.gov/topics/researchands...S-SCDB-2K4.pdf


Link to South Carolina Dept. of Ed
http://ed.sc.gov/index.html

Link to Greenville County Schools
http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/index.asp

[carebear1]

I have been involved with scsdb. I would definately keep your son in public school, wherever you move to. Let the state serve him in a normal environment. In public school he must be provided with the help that he needs.

[movingmom248]

Well, there will always be kids in the public schools who are willing to learn to sign. My son is 10 and his friend's mom is deaf, so we've been learning to sign.

We'll also be relocating to Greenville some time next year!

[besads6]

Hi relocating to Greenville,

I'm not sure if you have moved yet but I read your info. and I have a deaf son who attended the SCSDB so I felt compeled to respond. As far as education for deaf there it focuses more on career prep education and academics are not way up there. My son only attended one year, however, they do have a mainstreaming program agreement with the spartanburg school district. If you plan to enter your son in the deaf school he could utilize the mainstream program. Just so you know, you have the right as a parent to mainstream your child in any school anywhere in the US with full supports such as teacher of the deaf, interpreters, etc. and the school MUST provide that for your son under ADA law. If you are concerned with your son being exposed to sign language with his peers and the culture of the deaf, then SCSDB is great for Bi-Bi culture and they did have several deaf teachers and role models there a few years ago.
Also, I do believe the Greenville school district has somewhat of a mainstreaming program there. So if you choose for you son to live with you and go to his neighborhood school, you have the right. If you live within a distance of a deaf school and prefer him to go there he would be a residential student.

Hope this helps,
Brooke in NY