Austine Alumni Association

" I enrolled at Austine School at the age of 12. I was finally in a place where I could learn ASL and communicate freely with my instructors and peers.   I then had access to the whole school curriculum, and sports and many extra-curricular activities! My earlier experience in the mainstream had not allowed me any of these.  Without Austine School, my potential would not have been realized and my employment in administration positions would have been unlikely.   Austine School is an inclusive environment.  The opportunity to communicate directly with teachers, staff and students should not be underestimated."

Rene Pellerin

"Basically, Austine saved my life...... I was mainstreamed, no identity around my hearing loss with other kids like myself, frustrated with the lack of classroom/education needs support, and was starting to hate school enough that I refused to go, so of course my parents were very concerned.   To make a long story short, after visiting Austine for a day I decided to try it out and little did I know then that this was the best decision I ever made, coming to Austine.   It was tough learning ASL at first, I never knew the language before I arrived but once I did I "fit in", made many friends  whom many I still associate with today in my later years.  Met many inspirational role models too.   Learning about who I was, Deaf culture, and self-esteem building, are very important for any young deaf or hard of hearing student.  The classrooms were very accessible for me, I loved the classes and I graduated.   Successful college and employment opportunities were a result of a solid foundation to succeed, laid down by Austine".  

 Bill Hudson