[nobe-l] public vs. private schools

[Renee Walker]

I am CEO of a private school. I have taught 35 years in public and private schools and often at the same time (flexible schedules). As far as accommodations for me as first a Deaf teacher and then as a DeafBlind teacher in public schools and private schools there were none. As a Deaf person who could read lips very well, I never asked for any and knew little ASL, anyway. That varies in states, though, and by individual school. The biggest difference is that with the ADA, you can fight for reasonable accommodations in a public school, and you will usually win. Likely the only times, you would fail is if the system is in a very poor or rural area without the means to provide or non-existent resources in the area. Private schools are often too small to provide. In my school, I can’t often provide for myself, but I work hard to make things work for my students who often come to me when they are NOT provided for in the local public system, and no other private school has the resources or even understands. By nature, I can help Deaf and DeafBlind students through experience and ASL which I am now fluent in with pro-tactile ASL methods.

You can always demand, but you must remember the ADA only supports reasonable accommodations, so know your needs and your options and be willing to compromise or even willing to choose another location when your needs are too great for the school.

Renée K. Walker and SEGDI Guides Nala and Joey (retired)

In The Shadow of The Master Teacher, Jesus Christ,
Renée K. Walker, Ed.S.
Principal/CEO
Wynfield Christian Academy
DeafBlind Hope
143 Williamson Dr.
Macon, GA 31210
Monroe County
(978) 563-9663
Fax: Email documents to rkwalker at wynfieldca.org or mail
(478) 845-2294 (Deaf IP Relay direct line)



> On Nov 16, 2016, at 10:20 AM, Kayla James via NOBE-L <nobe-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I was wondering about this, because I am looking at certifications.
> One certification is the Acsi Elementary education certificate:
> Association of Christian Schools International. Or just a public
> school certification.
> And what is it like in working in private schools vs. public schools.
> 
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