Willie Ross School for the Deaf Receives National CEASD Accreditation

LONGMEADOW — Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) announced it has been accredited by the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD). WRSD is one of only 25 schools in the U.S. to receive CEASD accreditation.

CEASD is a national organization committed to the promotion of excellence within a continuum of equitable education opportunities for children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing.

WRSD began the accreditation process with CEASD two years ago, made possible by a grant from the Beveridge Family Foundation. WRSD administrators first underwent a self-study, a review of all of the school’s programs and services, which was completed in 2022.

Following the self-study, CEASD assigned an accreditation team to WRSD, who visited the school’s Longmeadow campus this past March. For a four-day period, the team reviewed the school’s paperwork, observed its programs, and interviewed students, parents, staff, management, and members of its board of trustees. At the conclusion of the CEASD visit, the team recommended WRSD for full accreditation pending CEASD board approval, which occurred in April.

WRSD is one of 69 schools for the deaf in the country. This year, the school is the only school for the deaf to receive CEASD accreditation on its first try.

In addition, WRSD is the recipient of CEASD’s highly competitive Diversity Mini Grant ($2,000) to support staff and faculty with diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism training.

According to Bert Carter, president and CEO of WRSD, “this is a significant accreditation for the Willie Ross School. This gives our students and their parents and families and any family looking at the school the assurance that we meet the highest standards in our industry. This process required us to look internally and closely at our school community, and we are thrilled with the result of achieving this accreditation.”