Engage for Change | State

Bringing States Together to Impact #DeafSuccess

 

Engage for Change | state brings leaders from state-level education and vocational rehabilitation agencies together to close gaps in education and employment for deaf people.

Through networks of shared leadership and peer support, state leaders create an exchange of ideas and collaboration — using NDC's support and resources — that would otherwise be impossible.

This work is critical for systems change, and creates environments where people can thrive.

 

Video description
 

South Carolina Shows Deaf Students New Roads to #DeafSuccess

 

Three women stand near a poster for efc state.

Deaf students across the country are constantly being underestimated, and working against stereotypes that lower their expectations. In fact, low expectations is one of the root causes for the achievement gap between deaf and hearing people.

In State Spotlight: South Carolina, learn more about how the state combats those expectations by connecting deaf students with positive role models.

 

Tailored Solutions for Each State

 

State initiatives are guided by engagement with stakeholders, research, best practices, and state data. Cross-state collaborative groups share insights and receive NDC support at an annual two-day convening and throughout the year — including encouragement to connect and collaborate with local deaf communities using strategies from Engage for Change | local. State activities for deaf youth include:

  • summer camps focused on strengthening self-advocacy
  • internship fairs to improve employment outcomes
  • an online financial literacy course to develop independent living skills
 
 
From Research to Action

Summer Camps for Deaf Youth
 
 
From Action to Impact

Benefits of Work-Based Learning
 
 

2020 Convenings: Short-Term Pandemic Response and Long-Term Strategies for Improvement

 
  • Forty-five state leaders gathered online in May 2020 to strategize pandemic planning and transition services for deaf youth.
  • Regional meetings continued through summer and fall, showcasing the power of EFC partnerships to foster cross-state collaboration, share effective practices, and broaden their focus to consider making lasting changes and service improvements that can endure post-pandemic.


2019 Convening Stories

 

The third annual EFC state convening on June 17-19, 2019, brought together more than 80 leaders from 39 states to collaborate on improving deaf education and employment throughout the United States.


Resources for State Level Leaders

 

Leverage NDC Research and Analysis

Take Free Online Learning Courses

  • Developing Accessible Work Based Learning Programs

  • Designing Summer Programs for Deaf Youth

  • Improving Campus Access

  • Start and Build a Mentoring Program for Deaf Youth

Use Vocational Rehabilitation Resources (including Pre-Employment Transition Services)

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Toolkit

  • Plan Your Future: A VR Guide for Deaf Youth, featuring videos from EFC state leaders Bedarius Bell and Elise Knopf

  • #DeafSuccess videos

Share Transition Resources

Learn about Deafverse

Deafverse is a choose-your-own-adventure game created just for teenagers. In Duel of the Bots, players get to make their own choices, stand up for themselves, and build confidence and skills they can use in real life. It's free, and is offered in English and ASL. Learn more!

Use the Self-Determination Inventory

A valuable advantage in transition planning is self-determination — the way we decide, act, and believe to make decisions and reach goals in life. Now it can be measured with the Self-Determination Inventory, an online ASL-accessible assessment tool to help agencies, educators, and families strengthen self-determination and develop customized plans.