Today ASD operates as a total communication school, offering programs for deaf and hard of hearing children from birth to grade 12. There is a home-based early intervention program, academic services, and even a special PACES program for emotionally disturbed deaf students. In addition, there are vocational services, a summer camp program, and an ASL learning center.
ASD has its own alumni association, the American School for the Deaf Alumni Association (ASDAA). ASDAA has its own newsletter and online message board. ASDAA has been involved in an effort to restore the grave markers of Alice Cogswell, the deaf child who was taught by Thomas Gallaudet.
Because of its historic role in deaf education, ASD maintains a deaf history museum on its campus. Due to limited funds (donations are welcomed) the school struggles to preserve old letters, photographs, and books — all of which are important to deaf heritage. This invaluable archive has among other items, the oldest book on English sign language, a complete collection of American Annals of the Deaf, and copies of many rare old deaf publications.
ASD relies on fund-raising to support its operations. This is a necessity because the state pays less than half of its operating costs.
