Foundation For Deaf Education

With a history spanning 171 years of serving a diverse student community, SMSD is a fully accredited, non-profit educational institution dedicated to meeting the needs of deaf, hard of hearing, severely disabled, and refugee students aged from birth to 21 years old. With a Child First approach, SMSD prioritizes children's needs by offering comprehensive educational programs that empower students to become independent, lifelong learners, and valuable members of society. The school prides itself on fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, catering to students with various physical and cognitive disabilities through a rigorous and inclusive curriculum tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles.

Students from all eight counties of Western New York come together at SMSD to take advantage of its unique educational offerings. The school follows a bilingual approach, combining American Sign Language (ASL) with written and spoken English, and boasts a team of Deaf instructors and staff. Cutting-edge technologies, tutoring services, interpreting, and language translation resources are readily available to assist students on their academic journey. With over 75% of SMSD students involved in the Residential Program, the school is truly a second home for many. Families of SMSD students can access essential resources and counseling services through the dedicated Family Center, offering crucial support and guidance.

Recognizing the importance of collective growth, your support is crucial for our joint success. By supporting us, you directly contribute to our mission of maintaining St. Mary’s School for the Deaf as a unique, diverse, and inclusive educational institution, promoting fair access and inclusion for every child and family.

SMSD represents not merely a school but a collective of distinct educational entities within its framework. It serves as a nurturing environment for all its members. SMSD exemplifies the resilience required to surmount challenges and achieve success despite adversity. Upheld by the Spirit of St. Mary's, we embody resilience as part of SMSD's ethos, enabling us to conquer any obstacles hindering our path to accomplishment.

Foundation for Deaf Education

EIN: 161465013

Buffalo, NY 14214-2349 USA

Our Mission

We are a 501(c)3 charitable, non-profit organization aiming to enhance the quality of life for the St. Mary's School for the Deaf students, families, and the community by supporting programs and initiatives not covered by New York State funding. Our mission is threefold:

1. Elementary & Secondary Education: Providing resources and support to develop and enhance the educational experiences of elementary and secondary students.
2. Early Childhood Education: Promoting early learning opportunities that cater specifically to the needs of young deaf children, ensuring a strong educational foundation.
3. Equal Opportunity in Education: Advocating for inclusive educational opportunities and resources to create an equitable learning environment for all students.

Community and Purpose

The FDE advocates for equitable access and inclusion while embracing diversity. We seek to reinforce and uphold Deaf and Special Needs Education standards through various educational, athletic, vocational, and therapeutic programs. Your sponsorship:

1. Enhances your company's visibility and philanthropic commitment.
2. Plays a pivotal role in advancing SMSD's mission to create an inclusive learning environment.
3. Assists in breaking down barriers for the Deaf and Disabled community.

The Importance of Support

Your support is greatly valued and will make a lasting impact on those we serve. We appreciate any assistance you can offer, recognizing the essential role of community support in creating a meaningful impact beyond Western New York, resonating with Deaf and Disabled communities nationwide. Your participation not only supports our local initiatives but also emphasizes our unity as a community striving toward a common goal.

Why Donate?

Every donation can bring about a significant change. Your generous contributions will help:

1. Provide critical resources for deaf education not covered by state funding.
2. Support comprehensive programs that foster educational growth and inclusion.
3. Expand opportunities for both students and their families within the Deaf and Disabled community.
4. Sustain the specialized support and resources essential for our students.

Each contribution of $1500 facilitates the enrichment of a single student for an entire academic year. This support encompasses exceptional athletic programs, an enriched academic curriculum, as well as vital social, volunteer, and recreational initiatives that are not readily available in conventional educational settings. Our aim is to empower all our students, and your assistance plays a pivotal role in achieving this mission.

Together, we can make a difference!