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Willie Ross school celebrates 40 years

John Ratzenberger
By Natasha Clark

Assistant Managing Editor





LONGMEADOW Forty years ago when rubella swept through the United States causing a number of birth defects a group of parents in Longmeadow decided to do something about it. Children who were deaf or had impaired hearing due to the illness needed educational services that catered to their needs and so the Willie Ross School for the Deaf was born.

On Oct. 19 the school will celebrate 40 years of achievements with Barbara Ross, the mother of the school's namesake, and her son Steven Ross. Actor John Ratzenberger, who gained international fame as Cliff on "Cheers," will also be on hand as Master of Ceremonies at the Anniversary Celebration Dinner on Oct. 20.

Executive Director Dr. Louis Abbate is proud of the programs offered at the school and its collaborations with the community.

"The story of the school is an interesting one because it was founded by parents to offer alternatives for deaf [and the hearing impaired]," Abbate explained.

He said in the years following its 1967 founding it has been true to that legacy of finding programs. He noted the 18-year partnership developed with East Longmeadow's public school system. There are classes set up in the elementary and high school levels for the hearing impaired. Abbate said the population of deaf and hard of hearing students is diverse and that this environment is "very good for students to maximize their residual hearing. The school department in East Longmeadow is remarkably accepting."

Abbate left a teaching position at American International College in 1985 to join the school and sees the festivities as an opportunity to applaud the success of the school.

"On Friday the 19th there is a birthday party for the school on the Longmeadow campus. [Barbara Ross] is coming to cut the cake. All of our students and [those] from the campus in East Longmeadow will be here for the celebration," Abbate stated. "On Saturday is a gala dinner at the Colony Club in Springfield."

Abbate said Ratzenberger's involvement isn't a surprise since he is also honorary chair of the school's Board of Trustees and has visited the campus many times in the past. His first visit was when "Cheers" was filming its finale in Boston.

"I think primarily because of the kind of person he is. He's interested in education and advocating for children. He's really a nice man. The kids love him," Abbate said.

The Willie Ross School for the Deaf provides a comprehensive educational program stressing academic excellence that focuses on the development of students' intellectual, social and emotional growth. For more information on its programs and its anniversary celebration call 567-0374 or visit www.willierossschool.org.