msdp what

What is Model School for the Deaf Project ?

The Model School for the Deaf Project (MSDP) is a company limited by guarantee, whose members support and promote the educational principles adopted by schools of the multi-denominational sector. More specifically, the MSDP has taken on responsibility for setting up the first of these schools for deaf children and to act as Patron [the Department of Education term for the Executive Committee elected by the Council Members of the school], and for ensuring that its special ethos is maintained.

The members of the MSDP believe that deaf children should be educated together through their natural language, regardless of background, religion or sex, within a system which allows for active community and parental involvement in the education of the child. Speech training will be provided as requested. Non-deaf people are especially welcome provided they show commitment to the aims of the MSDP.

Children will acquire their first language (Irish Sign Language) as non-deaf children do and then learn English as a second language. This is the method which has revolutionised the education of the deaf in Sweden and Denmark since the 1980s. It is called Bilingualism. Literacy levels in the latter countries are now on a par with non-deaf children of the same age. In Ireland over 80% of deaf people, compared with about 20% of hearing people have difficulty with reading and writing. This is the literacy gap that the MSDP is dedicated to eliminate. With co-operation and good teamwork it can be accomplished by the year 2015.

The MSDP is still only slightly more than a concept. The legal structure, presently in formation, based on the Educate Together model, will comply with the Department of Education rules for Boards of Management. The `Patron` will be the Executive Committee, elected by the members. The MSDP Council is the body of parents/influential people who support its aims and principles and promote them through fund-raising etc., As yet, no public authority have made funding available to the MSDP. Donations/sponsorships/grants are essential to cover the costs of formation, and the pre-schooling period. The Pre-school classes are scheduled to start September 1999 in Dublin—pending availability of government funding for teacher training.