New York State School for the Deaf celebrates 150th anniversary

The New York State School for the Deaf (NYSSD) marked its 150th anniversary with a celebration recognizing its long-standing commitment to educating Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students. Located in Rome, New York, NYSSD has been providing specialized education since 1875.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. emphasized the school's continued relevance: “As evidenced by its long and transformative history, the New York State School for the Deaf is just as essential to students today as it was 150 years ago. From providing home-based programming for deaf and hard-of-hearing infants and their families to offering Career and Technical Education opportunities for high school students, NYSSD plays a critical role in providing students with the educational environment and services they need to thrive at all stages of adolescence. Current and former students, faculty, staff, and administrators should take pride in their contributions that helped NYSSD reach this significant milestone.”

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa highlighted the school's nurturing environment: “For 150 years, the New York State School for the Deaf has served as a nurturing, enriching learning environment where students receive a highly individualized education while becoming members of the surrounding community. This milestone represents not only the dedication of our past and present educators, students, and families but also the Department’s ongoing commitment to empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community with the skills and opportunities needed to be successful in whatever path they choose.”

Superintendent Kara Shore acknowledged the founders' legacy: “The legacy of NYSSD founders Alphonso Johnson and Rev. Thomas Gallaudet lives on to this very day. Thanks to their passion for educating those who are deaf and hard-of-hearing, our students—with the support of staff and the community of Rome, New York—have reached places that the school’s founding fathers could have only imagined 150 years ago. Happy Birthday NYSSD and Go Trojans!”

Since its inception as a one-building institution serving four students, NYSSD has expanded significantly beyond its original scope. It now operates on a 17-acre campus offering comprehensive services such as audiology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, special needs instruction from preschool through high school levels.

Approximately 25% of NYSSD's student body participates in a residential program during weekdays. The dormitory staff is trained specifically to cater to children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing or use cochlear implants.

Eligibility for attending NYSSD requires residency within New York State along with specific hearing loss criteria. Further details regarding admissions can be found on their website.