public schools with good special ed programs for hard of hearing kids (Cambridge: renting)

[stopstop]

my son has mild-to-moderate hearing loss, his overall language development is more or less at his age, and the school district we are in wouldn't give him a placement as he doesn't have any significant delay. Some of the parents we talked to also express similar frustration with our town and also the fact the special education team is not that competent, so we are looking to move to another towns that seem to be more accommodating. Understood that nothing is guaranteed as SPED team/funding may change, but we thought if a town has been somewhat accommodating or supportive or willing to work with the parents, we will have a better luck there.

Based on our budget, I think we can afford a place in Needham, Lexington, Newton. I have been hearing nice things about these three towns but nothing first hand. Wondering if anyone can share some insights.

We were also thinking about Arlington, but I haven't heard much nice things about the special education in that town, is it still true?

Thanks in advance! I wish there is some good information out there to tell us which towns are better for kids with hard of hearing.

[porterhouse]

Cambridge has excellent resources for this type of need

[RBThescot]

Speaking as someone with 70 years experience in this area... you do what you have to do to be an effective advocate in the schools, of course, but where you can really help your kid the most is to expose him to as many things that he can excel at, where he won't be limited by his hearing. Who knows what his path is and what will give him a purposeful happy life. Running marathons? Sailing, carpentry, fishing, instrument repair, cooking, watch repair, optics? There are so many things, other than his SPED plan, that can set him up for a successful, happy, meaningful life. Talk to other advocates, SPED parenting has a very high burnout rate.

[chicagoliz]

I live in Newton, and it seems that the schools are very good with accommodating all sorts of different needs. However, I can't say firsthand, as I haven't needed to use any of them so far. If you are on facebook, though, there is a group called Newton Parents, and you can likely join if you say you may be moving to Newton. If you ask your question in that group, you should get some good information. I have found that group to be particularly helpful in providing all kinds of information, and I'm sure there are parents there who could give you some insight.

[simplexsimon]

If there is no delay in his language development, what is the need for special ed placement at this point in time?

Have you considered a school for the deaf/hard of hearing?

FWIW I am not deaf, but am the child of deaf parents (both of whom were immigrants and English is not their first language).