Hello! Welcome to DSD, Statewide Programs for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf/Blind. My name is Della Thomas and I am the Director for all three programs.
This has been a very exciting year at DSD, especially this past spring. We had 7 students graduate from DSD. Of those 7 students, 6 have gone on to college and 1 is working full time. We are very proud of those 7 students. We will miss them but are happy to see them move on to a successful future.
ESY (Extended School Year) has already started! Right now, DSD has 50 students “in-house,” which means students from PreSchool to 12th grade come to DSD every day for five weeks for ESY services or credit recovery. Plus some babies and families are being served in the home and our Deaf/Blind staff are working with Deaf/Blind students throughout the state. Summer is not a time of rest for us but a time to keep on working!!
Speaking of keeping on working, I want to share with you that 2 days ago (June 28) was my 1st anniversary at DSD as the Director. This past year has been a powerful one for me. I’ve learned a lot, talked a lot, discussed with different people, and observed a lot. I feel like after 1 year I’ve learned what Delaware needs for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and families.
I have put together a comprehensive needs assessment results for you to review and read. There is a lot of good information in there. I asked different advocacy groups in Delaware for feedback, I incorporated information from the national agenda for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, I talked with early interventionists, hearing screening people, hospitals and the medical community, teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing all over the state, special education directors, parents, familes, and kids. All of their responses are included in the needs assessment for you to read. Click here to read the interesting results. The last page is very important because it discusses the goals for next year. A really big goal for next year is to set up an advisory council. The advisory council will help to create a strategic plan for Delaware. The goal is to figure out how we get there and what support and resources we need to have. The advisory council will play an important role in developing a state of Delaware plan.
I’m really excited and looking forward to the new school year. I’m excited for change and I’m excited for the opportunity. “Delaware is a small state with a big heart.” I remember hearing that from a famous person. DSD statewide program is the best kept secret in Delaware! I feel honored to be a part of this group. I feel honored to continue my work as Director. And I’m honored that you took the time to watch me today!
Thank you and have a good afternoon!
