Learn

Effective Communication Access - Course 1

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

Effective Communication Access - Course 3 

1.0 RID CEUs, Professional Studies / 10 CRC Clock Hours. Prerequisites: Course 1 and Course 2.  Next Offering: July 22-Aug. 11.
Calling all DSS professionals! Do you want to improve access on your campus? Do you have questions about coordinating services for internships, field experiences, or study abroad? Gather with colleagues to practice the skills necessary to coordinate access in and out of the classroom. DSS veterans Lore Kinast and Bambi Riehl will co-facilitate.

Participants can expect a commitment of about three hours per week for three weeks. Engagement is flexible and classes are structured around weekly deadlines and feedback. To enroll in ECA 3, visit our Effective Communication Access Course Series and complete Courses 1 and 2. Then visit your student dashboard and click "begin course" to enroll in Effective Communication Course 3.

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. This course will eventually be supplemented by Courses 2 and 3.

Course participants will:

• develop a solid understanding of testing and accommodation terminology,
• identify key issues to consider when administering tests to deaf individuals,
• identify accommodations to consider when administering tests to deaf individuals,
• identify key issues to consider when using an interpreter during testing, and
• identify key issues in interpreting test results for deaf individuals.

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.