What is CAL-ED?

CAL-ED is California Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing one of the largest professional organizations in the west. This organization is composed of educators, parents, teacher trainers, interpreters, support staff, professionals, and other persons who are

dedicated to the pursuit of educational excellence for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.  The CAL-ED organization was established in 1960. The objective of CAL-ED is to support quality education of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing by providing a network of support and information for teachers of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

CAL-ED's philosophy is to not endorse any one particular methodology or idea. Yearly conferences, alternating between Northern and Southern California, take place. Conferences draw keynote speakers and workshop presenters not only from California, but from all over the United States. These presenters cover a wide spectrum of topics through which we can learn and grow. Topics include, but are not limited to, new methods, procedures, ideas and technology.

CAL-ED offers:

• Annual awards recognizing individuals who have shown commitment to the field of deaf education.
• Seven Area Representatives who collectively keep all members informed of issues, events and workshops.
• A bi-monthly publication called the CAL-ED e-News via e-mail.
• Access to the members only Forum that allows deaf educators to connect with others from throughout the state to share ideas and stay up to date on events and concerns within our profession.
• Advocates at the state level supporting legislation that will enhance the educational advancement of all Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

CAL-ED's Position Statement

"While CAL-ED does not advocate the use of any one particular teaching strategy that can be used to ensure the academic success of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students, the organization recognizes that American Sign Language (ASL) is a distinct language used by members of the American Deaf Culture for the purpose of clear visual communication.  It is not a teaching strategy, philosophy or approach.  In addition, ASL is not to be confused with Manually Coded English systems which are intended to be manual representations of English for instruction. It is not Total Communication in and of itself, but may be part of a Total Communication approach."