The Stephen High School for the Deaf and Aphasic was founded in the year 1957 by Mrs. Nancy Desa and Dr. Joe Desa at Desa's Hospital building, 15th Dadyseth Road, Chowpatty. at first the school began on the 3rd floor residence but the Founders then built additional class rooms on the 3rd and 4th floor to accommodate all classes. the school was the first in India to start SSC and had up to 10th standard.
For 39 years the school was run by Mrs. Nancy Desa. she started only verbal communication for the children.
The archbishop of Mumbai was one of the Trustees of the Stephen High School and provided land for building a new school. At Prabhadevi, Dr. joe Desa collected funds for the Stephen trust and also contributed personally and built the school in the new premises.
In 1996, the Archbishop of Mumbai entrusted the school to the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel. In 1997, the Brothers shifted the school to the present premises. the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, who are the pioneers in the education of the deaf and blind, took over the institution with all the children and teachers, and made marvellous changes in providing good education facilities to the differently disabled children, nurtured by the true spirit of Montfortian tradition, trust in God's providence, love of the poor and tireless efforts in educational apostolate.
The School is a premier institution rendering valuable education with an all-round growth and development of children with special needs. The school still offers oral method of educating the deaf children and prepares the students for the secondary school certificate examination of Maharashtra State Board (S.C.C)
The Institution has the tradition and noble cause to educate the deaf and mute - the poorest of the poor and emphasize on the education of the girl child. the school owes it present prestigious position to the pioneer Mrs. Nancy Desa, the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, teachers and parents who have nourished it with their love, sacrifice, faith and dedication.
The following are the present activities of the school
Special education for Deaf and Aphasic
Sports and games (Indoor and outdoor)
Dance, Drama and cultural activities
Scout and Guides
Counselling and Career Guidance
Preparation for High Education and Job oriented courses
Job placement
Friendship forum
Rehabilitation services
Outreach program
Resource mobilization
Building public relation with Government and NGO's
