Children are often separated from their family. Unless the family of the deaf student happens to live near a residential school (or is willing to relocate), the child is often apart from their parents for significant periods of time.
Residential programs are often found in remote places. Schools for the Deaf are frequently located away from urban centers, which may make relocation difficult for parents who want to be closer to their child.
Equipment is often outdated. Since residential programs often receive less funding than regular public schools, they must often cope with equipment that is behind the cutting edge.
Dormitory supervisors can have a high turnover rate. Dormitory supervisors care for the children when they are not in class. Because of inadequate funding, supervisor salaries are often quite low, resulting in a high turnover rate. Frequent staff changes mean that the supervisor may not know your child as personally as would be preferred.
Conclusion
No web article can or should be the sole basis for your decision about your child’s future. Before you choose the style of education best for your child, speak to a variety of people from both perspectives of deafness. Visit a mainstream program and a residential school. Speak with the teachers and learn how they view deafness. Talk to the students (take along an interpreter if necessary). Remember to consider whether an educational choice is better for your child or simply more convenient for you.
Do your homework, and you will find the educational choice that’s the best fit for you child.