The Canisius College Graduate Deaf Education Program is one of the oldest programs in the United States. The Sisters of St. Joseph, who came from France in the early 20th century to teach children who were deaf, were responsible for beginning a teacher preparation program. The Sisters established the St. Mary's School for the Deaf in 1853 and in the early 1900s they recognized a need for the formal preparation of teachers. In 1937 the first program was begun, in conjunction with the University of Buffalo, which was then a private institution. In 1963, the Sisters partnered with Canisius College. Canisius’ program continues today as the only teacher preparation program in upstate New York to prepare teachers for children ages birth to twenty-one who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The Canisius College Graduate Deaf Education Program is accredited by the State of New York and the Council on Education of the Deaf. The Canisius School of Education is accredited by NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education). The Graduate Deaf Education program supports both the School of Education philosophy of knowledge, leadership, professionalism and service as well as a comprehensive teaching philosophy. This teaching philosophy promotes the involvement of the whole child--utilizing every means of communication that is appropriate for the individual whether it be American Sign Language, Signed English, or auditory/aural communication.