Arnprior, Ont. school embraces bilingual, bicultural approach for deaf student

A school in Arnprior, Ont. is embracing a bilingual, bicultural approach for a deaf student. CTV’s Dave Charbonneau reports.

Ryan Duchoeny is the first deaf staff member at St. John XXIII School in Arnprior, Ont.

“I like to engage with deaf students. I’m the same as them. I’m deaf as well,” said Duchoeny, who works as a language acquisition support worker.

To celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages, Duchoeny, known at the school as Mr. D, led a special event with students and staff, explaining the importance of sign language and showing students how to sign.

“We celebrate deaf culture, and we all celebrate together to show inclusivity and honour that within the school,” he said.

Mr. D was hired specifically to help teach Alex, a deaf student at the school.

Alex’s parents say the support has been overwhelming.

“We were just so taken aback about how amazing the school has been with Alex and getting him essentially all the resources he needs to have the full education process without any barriers,” said Greg Hanniman.

“Having Ryan at the school, teaching him ASL and modeling that language for him at school is huge,” said Marli Nicol. “So now we need to learn a little bit faster so we can keep communicating with him at home too and reinforce that.”

Principal T.J. O’Grady said recognizing sign language is essential.

“It’s very important that we recognize Deaf and Hard of Hearing Month all month long and not just for September, but throughout the year, but particularly today, International Day of Sign,” O’Grady said. “It’s really important for our students to see and know about sign language.”

The school calls this approach bilingual and bicultural, supporting learning in both English and sign language.

“So, you have the student who is following the instruction in the classroom teacher, being able to develop fluency in written and spoken language,” said Clint Young, superintendent of educational services with the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board. “But at the same time, simultaneously, we have the language acquisition support worker who is working with the student using American Sign Language.”

For Duchoeny, the opportunity is about inspiring change.

“I’m honoured and grateful for the school and the school board for actually hiring me and giving me this opportunity,” he said. “My goal, ultimately, is to break down barriers and show that deaf people can do things.”