Deaf & Hard of Hearing - RP

Who We Are

We are an MAISD Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Program housed out of Reeths-Puffer Schools. We have partnered with local school districts around the county to create language-rich classrooms for students with varying degrees of hearing levels and language preferences.

As passionate educators, we believe that access to language is vitally important for every child’s academic success, social-emotional growth, and overall well-being. Our team is committed to providing individualized support, incorporating both spoken language and sign language, and empowering families as partners in the journey. By fostering inclusive environments where communication is accessible and celebrated, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, learn, and reach their fullest potential.

Our Mission

To provide Deaf and Hard of Hearing students with an inclusive, language-rich environment that prioritizes access, equity, and high-quality education. We empower students through bilingual instruction, fostering strong communication skills in American Sign Language and spoken language while embracing Deaf identity and culture.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every Deaf and Hard of Hearing student has full access to language, education, and community. Rooted in Deaf Gain, bilingualism, and individualized support, our students grow into confident individuals - proud of their identity and prepared to lead, advocate, and thrive. Our program models what is possible when access is non-negotiable and language deprivation is no longer tolerated. Together, we cultivate a future where DHH students aren’t asked to break through barriers - they rise in spaces intentionally built for them.

Locations

McMillan Early Childhood Center

Our Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) D/HH Classroom is located alongside Reeths-Puffer’s ECSE classrooms and White Lake Area Community Education (WLACE)’s Lighthouse Learning, Great Start Readiness Program, and Head Start Programs. Students ages 2.5-5 attend the D/HH Program for half a day in either our morning (AM) section or our afternoon (PM) section.

Reeths Puffer Elementary

Our Elementary D/HH Classroom is located alongside Reeths-Puffer Elementary’s K-4 classrooms and Reeths-Puffer Intermediate’s 5-6 classrooms. We currently teach students kindergarten through third grade using Deaf and Hard of Hearing specific reading, writing, and social emotional curriculum, American Sign Language, and general education math, science, and social studies curricula that have been adapted to fit each student's needs within our two classrooms.

Services

Students within our program are provided with a variety of services including speech and language therapy, music therapy, audiological support, occupational and physical therapy, and social work in addition to work with ISD consultant based services per request (ex. D/HH, VI, AAC/AT, Behavioral, etc.)

FAQs

How can my child be a part of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Program?

Contact your Local Special Education Office to find out whether or not your child may be eligible for D/HH programming (see contact information below).

ESU (Fruitport, Oakridge, Orchard View Ravenna): Cynthia Chorny - Admin Assistant (231-865-4055)

NSU (Holton, North Muskegon, Montague, Reeths-Puffer): Kim Goerbig - Admin. Assistant (231-719-3142)

Mona Shores: Debra Karel - Admin. Assistant (231-322-8220)

Muskegon: Patricia Smith - Admin. Assistant (231-720-2050)

Muskegon Heights: Starr Deans - Special Education (Email: starrdeans208@gmail.com)

Whitehall: Darci Christensen - Admin Assistant (231-893-1020 ex. 5009)