The Rural Deaf Student Support (RDSS) program, offered through Hope Community Resources, Inc., provides housing, transportation and outreach to Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, ages 3-22. This program is for students from rural areas of Alaska wishing to attend the Alaska State School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AKSD) in Anchorage.
Alaska State School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AKSD)
The Alaska State School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AKSD) is a comprehensive, child-centered school that serves students in the state of Alaska who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The program provides a safe and structured environment for individuals to reach their personal, academic, social, and vocational goals. This program allows preschool through 12th grade students to feel a sense of belonging in a community of people who can understand and cater to their individual needs. Throughout the school year, AKSD students further develop their communication abilities while building higher self-esteem and stronger sense of connection with their community.
Rural Deaf Student Support (RDSS)
In the RDSS program, each student is connected to a host family with the intent that they will return to the same home each school year. This approach ensures continuity for the student continuity and the opportunity to develop strong, supportive relationships that are beneficial for everyone involved.
Students have the opportunity to:
- Travel with an escort to Anchorage from their home community.
- Stay with a host family during the school year.
- Attend the Alaska State School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AKSD).
- Return home during winter break and at the end of the school year.
All these opportunities are provided at no expense to the family!
RDSS Host Families
Our host families are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), knowledgeable in both Deaf and Native cultures, and committed to a collaborative partnership with students and their parents/families. They meet all State of Alaska foster care requirements, ensuring comprehensive support for the AKSD student's health, safety, recreation, and other needs.
Host families also:
- Enhance the student's ASL and Deaf culture knowledge. Through active community involvement, they help students deepen their understanding and proficiency in ASL and engage with Deaf culture.
- Support the student in connecting with their native culture. When applicable, host families assist students in maintaining and strengthening ties to their Native heritage and traditions.
- Provide a nurturing family environment. Host families offer a caring and supportive home atmosphere during the student's time away from their home community, ensuring a sense of belonging and stability.
- Teach daily living skills and provide academic support. They help students develop essential life skills, assist with homework, and ensure that the student has access to extracurricular activites that reflect their interests.
- Maintain communication with the student's family. Host families actively facilitate regular and meaningful communication between the student and their parents and family.
Families of AKDS Students
Interested in Becoming a Host Parent?
The Rural Deaf Student Support Program is actively seeking host parents to support Deaf and Hard of Hearing students who wish to attend the Alaska State School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AKSD) in Anchorage. This program provides housing, transportation, and outreach for students ages 3-22 from rural areas of Alaska. Host parents receive a daily stipend to cover the expenses of supporting the student, making this program a positive and enriching experience for everyone involved.
For more information on becoming a host family requirements, read our RDSS Host Family guidelines. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students throughout Alaska.
Contact Us
The Rural Deaf Student Support Program is funded by a grant provided by the Alaska Department of Education in partnership with the Division of Seniors and Disabilities Services.
