SHIP, a program within Bergen County Special Services’ Communication Continuum, is located in Midland Park Jr./Sr. High School and educates students who are Deaf or hard of hearing from seventh through twelfth grade. SHIP provides a unique program allowing students with hearing loss to be educated alongside their general education peers in a public school setting.
The SHIP and Midland Park staff work collaboratively to ensure the success of the students. SHIP provides both consultative and small group instruction models to support the individual academic, social-emotional and advocacy needs of the students.
Within our consultative and small group instruction programs, our teachers of the deaf consult with the general education staff to provide students access to instruction, an optimal listening environment, and appropriate modifications. Supports for SHIP students are based on individual needs aligning with their approach to communication. These supports can include educational interpreters, communication access real-time translation (CART) and hearing assistance technology, all of which are Individualized Education Plan (IEP) driven. SHIP staff use specialized strategies to develop language outcomes, advocacy skill development, and social emotional support.
The purpose of the SHIP program is to educate students with hearing loss in the least restrictive environment while empowering them to become productive, contributing members of our dynamic and diverse society. Students in the program are eligible to participate in school clubs and after-school sports. SHIP follows the Midland Park High School calendar, curriculum, and grading procedures.
More information can be found on the SHIP website at: https://www.bergen.org/Page/294