The Children's Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf (CCCBSD) follows a theme-based learning model, providing a quarterly theme around which teachers base cross-curricular instruction. The themes are intentionally broad to encourage teachers to create instructional units that integrate academic and functional learning in response to the unique needs of each student. The authors discuss reframing their understanding of academic and functional learning, which has improved their teaching by providing students with strategically designed instruction within authentic contexts. By shifting their mindset and integrating academic and functional learning, they are transforming practices and creating meaningful learning for deaf and hard of hearing students, including those with disabilities.