My students need a document camera, projector, and Chromebooks to successfully and effectively access assignments, lessons, and curricula to become 21st century learners.
"Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do, except hear." -I. King Jordan, Gallaudet University's first Deaf President
Imagine what our deaf students can do if given the opportunity, experiences, and resources!
Although my class is small in numbers, due to the low incidence population of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, it is huge in eagerness and willingness to learn.
My students are faced with challenges that most students cannot imagine. Since very few people know sign language, many of my students were not exposed to language until they entered school. They commute to school, leaving the house as early as 5:45 am because there is only one middle school on the island that has a Deaf Education program. With little complaint, they wake up every morning, board the bus, and make their way to school. This does not hinder them from trying their best, working hard, and having a positive outlook. Although they could use this as an excuse to not be ready to learn, that is never the case. We see their smiling faces every day, ready to do their best. They are also very friendly and enjoy teaching other students sign language. It is great to see other students enjoying school more because of them.
My Project
Funding at our school has drastically decreased over the past few years, leaving our classroom with a single student accessible laptop with keys missing. This is the only technology that we have in our classroom. With the use of a document projector, I will be able to make lessons and activities more visual for students who rely on this sense for learning, communicating, and "listening." It would allow me to face the students when teaching lessons, versus turning my back to write on the board, cutting off students' ability to follow what is being taught. Working, usable laptops would allow students to do research to further develop their language, communication, and academic skills as well as explore and learn about the world. Also, since my students cannot use the phone to communicate, technology skills are vital for my students. As deaf adults, they will need to use technology, such as email and video relay services, to communicate with others.
With these materials, students will have access to the same learning and communication opportunities their hearing peers receive.
It will give students the opportunity to explore the world, discover new things, and be exposed to other children and adults who share their Deaf identity. These donations would help make my classroom more functional and "Deaf friendly" and give my students a better chance at gaining the skills they need to get good jobs as adults.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Murayama and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
