When the American School for the Deaf (ASD) opened its doors in 1817, there were only 19 states in the Union! The USA and ASD have come a long way since that time.

Girls at ASD took cooking and sewing

classes – shown in 1945, they are learn-ing the art

of cooking/baking, as well as serving meals.

Students pose in front of the school building for a photo in 1890. ASD was officially known as the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, and its home was locat-ed on the present site of Hartford Financial Services on Asylum Avenue, which is named after our school.

In addition to typical academic offerings, ASD developed a vocational program in the mid-1800’s. Here, a student uses a linotype. Linotype was the industry standard for newspapers, magazines and posters from the late 19th century to the 1960s and 70s, when it was replaced by offset lithography printing and computer typesetting.

ASD is the birthplace of American Sign Language. In addition, students also attended oral classes – shown in 1918, a teacher demonstrates speech patterns to the class. Students in a history lesson use “modern” day

technology to amplify what the teacher is saying

YesterdayA Publication of The American School for the Deaf

TODAYASD is proud to be approaching its 200th Anniversary and we look forward to celebrating the many contributions by our founders, faculty, and students to deaf education in America. ASD continues to be a national and world leader in educating deaf and hard of hearing individuals, providing innovative models and instructional techniques.

A Publication of The American School for the Deaf Spring 2015

Language acquisition and literacy has been enhanced by a pilot program: Achieve3000, an online, web-based reading program. Each student uses iPads for individual work after group instruction on a whiteboard. Achieve3000 allows all students to read the same story at their own individual reading level.

In the elementary program, ASD is conducting a trial with Touchphonics, a research-based phonics, word structure and spelling program.

Students participate in Project Oceanography, which thanks to the support of donors like you, allows them to experience multiple trips to Long Island Sound during their high school years.

The ASD audiology department provides testing and evaluations for all preK-12 students, Birth-to-Three clients and outreach students served throughout Connecticut. In this photo, a toddler points to a screen where a sound has been emitted.

ASD’s vocational program continues to this day – in addition to graphic design and video production, all students take part in our culinary arts program located in our state-of-the-art culinary kitchen.