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NDC offers a variety of free e-learning opportunities to support the postsecondary success of deaf students. Earn RID CEUs or CRC clock hours by completing one of our short courses or dig deeper and enroll in one of our course series. Individuals who take classes with NDC | learn will be able to view real stories shared by deaf people across the country, discuss concerns and challenges with others, and learn from national experts. Information on all of our current courses is available on our Canvas Catalog.
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Deaf 101
Are you an instructor of a deaf student? A professional with a deaf coworker? A manager of a deaf employee? Are you looking for basic information on what being deaf means and how to communicate with deaf people? Deaf 101 is a short course that provides hearing people with the basic knowledge and tools necessary to communicate effectively with deaf individuals, especially in professional settings.
Participants with a passing score of 80% or above can generate a certificate of completion for their own records. Those who wish to use our courses for educational professional development credit may generate a certificate that lists 3 clock hours. This course is pre-approved by CRCC for 3 CRC Clock Hours. Participants are responsible for submitting their own certificates of completion to CRCC. Instructions are included in the course. Please note that Deaf 101 is not eligible for RID CEUs.
NEW: Teaching Deaf Students Online
0.2 RID CEUs
Nearly 46% of deaf college students have experience with online courses. These experiences are not equitable to their hearing peers. The shift to online learning calls for a shift in instructional design. Accommodations that students are accustomed to in-person may not be effective online. this course will help faculty, instructors and teachers make the shift towards accessible online instruction.
NEW: Instructional Strategies for Deaf Student Success
0.3 RID CEUs
More than 200,000 deaf and hard of hearing students attend colleges and universities in the United States. Yet “begrudging tolerance” was what many encountered in the classroom and on campus, according to NDC’s nationwide report about college accessibility. It’s an issue that is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Simply providing a basic level of accommodations does not guarantee that deaf students have full access to the broader learning environment. As a result of this and other factors, research shows deaf people are less likely to complete an associate’s, bachelor’s, or graduate degree.
In just three hours, postsecondary faculty can learn how to design an accessible and equitable learning environment, reduce barriers to engagement, and cultivate a community of learners who succeed.
Designing Summer Programs for Deaf Youth
0.3 RID CEUs / 3 CRC Clock Hours
Summer programs can take a variety of shapes and forms. Whether a summer program focuses on coding, culinary skills, or self-advocacy and leadership, all programs strive to develop young people's skills and abilities in preparation for adulthood. While research affirms the benefits of summer programs for all youth, less information is available on the effectiveness of summer programming for deaf youth. This course seeks to increase the availability of summer programs by providing this information for professionals - educators, transition counselors, and vocational rehabilitation professionals - who facilitate youth programs.
Developing Accessible Work Based Learning Programs
0.3 RID CEUs / 3 CRC Clock Hours
Developing Accessible Work Based Learning Programs is a short course that provides information and practical resources about accessible employment opportunities for deaf youth. This course is designed with vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals, transition/employment specialists, educators, employers, and community rehabilitation partners (or program providers) in mind, and anyone who has a stake in improving employment outcomes for deaf people.
Improving Campus Access
0.4 RID CEUs / 4 CRC Clock Hours
Improving Campus Access is a short course that provides basic knowledge and the tools necessary to understand the complexities of providing access to deaf students pursuing postsecondary education. Research shows there are significant barriers that prevent deaf students from thriving at college and career-readiness programs. Eligible for 0.4 RID CEUs and 4 CRC Clock Hours.
Note Taker Training
Note Taker Training is a self-guided online training course that defines the role of the note taker and provides note taking strategies that enable student note takers to provide accurate, comprehensive classroom notes for deaf students. The training can be completed in multiple sessions or all at once. When students have gone through all of the material, they can take an online quiz to evaluate their knowledge. Students with a passing score will earn a Verification of Training Completion certificate that they can print. This course was adapted from a pepnet2 course.
1.0 RID CEUs, Professional Studies / 10 CRC Clock Hours
Having an understanding of the communication preferences of students is the cornerstone of providing effective services for deaf individuals. Effective communication affords deaf individuals the ability to give or receive information in a manner that is best for them and which will create opportunities for full participation in the programs offered by the institution. Course 1 in our Effective Communication course series gives an overview of the key concepts in effective communication in various settings after high school, including defining legal responsibilities of institutions, coordinating communication access services using an interactive process, providing access via qualified service providers, and using best practices when making accommodations decisions.
Effective Communication Access - Course 2
1.0 RID CEUs, Professional Studies / 10 CRC Clock Hours
Providing effective communication access for deaf students requires knowledge of the range of auxiliary aids and services available. Professionals coordinating deaf-centered service can incorporate best practices by seeking qualified service providers and enacting policies and procedures that promote consistent, quality service.
Throughout the course, participants will demonstrate knowledge of deaf-centered approaches to the following postsecondary practice areas:
- Frequently-requested accommodations
- Essential characteristics of qualified service providers
- Policies and procedures that support consistent, high quality service
- Common challenges and solutions related to the provision of accommodations
Test Equity - Course 1
1.0 RID CEUs, Professional Studies / 10 CRC Clock Hours
The Test Equity course series provides professionals with essential information to improve test equity for deaf individuals. Course 1 provides an overview of key issues, including definitions of test assessment, key terminology in test assessment, the basics of equitable tests, and how accommodations can improve test equity for deaf students.
Test Equity - Course 2
1.0 RID CEUs, Professional Studies / 10 CRC Clock Hours
This course provides concrete strategies to test developers and deliverers to improve test equity and measurement for deaf students. How can applying Universal Design principles improve equity? How is bias related to test equity and what can test developers do to make advances in fair testing? What role can accommodations play in improving test equity and what are the limitations of accommodations? This course digs deeper into what test equity means for deaf students.
NEW: Deaf Centered Practice
0.4 RID CEUs / 4 CRC Clock Hours
Research shows significant barriers in postsecondary settings further marginalize deaf individuals in terms of their own identities and experiences. Whether you are a teacher, a disability student services professional or a VR professional, Deaf Centered Practice is a short course that provides basic knowledge and tools necessary to understand the social implications in privileges, biases and marginalization, when working with deaf individuals and communities in professional settings.