A New Report Redefines “Evidence-Based”

Published on July 10, 2019

This image shows a blurred image of two people looking in a book. On top of the image the text " Evidence-Based Technical Assistance"

Like all OSEP technical assistance and dissemination centers, the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes strives to provide the highest-quality assistance by incorporating practices that are “evidence-based”—a term that means they have been shown to be the most effective and should be prioritized for use. 

However, for the deaf population, “evidence-based” is a term that often falls short. 

In a new report, “Evidence-Based Technical Assistance,” the National Deaf Center outlines its unique approach to expand the concept of “evidence-based” for the deaf community, providing a model for other technical assistance and research centers. 

“We have deeply considered what constitutes evidence, especially as it relates to marginalized communities such as deaf people,” said Stephanie Cawthon, Ph.D., Director of the National Deaf Center and Professor at the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin. “As an organization led and staffed by deaf researchers and practitioners, the National Deaf Center seeks a wide variety of perspectives, investigates across all sources, considers context and other factors, and determines a comprehensive practice that is the most useful, relevant, and innovative based on the best available evidence.” 

The new report addresses: 

  • How many practices don’t meet the criteria of “evidence-based” for deaf populations;

  • Why work that is done with marginalized communities must include cultural competency and other contexts; 

  • What other factors, resources, and “best available evidence” the National Deaf Center integrates to provide the most useful and relevant information; and 

  • Examples of evidence-based resources at NDC and how they are developed.

In its analysis of how to improve outcomes for deaf people after high school, the National Deaf Center found that many practices do not meet the criteria for being evidence-based because few researchers are trained in how to conduct valid and reliable research with deaf populations. Most of the available research focuses one children and not young adults, and few studies are large enough to establish the effectiveness of a specific intervention or practice.

The National Deaf Center’s approach to technical assistance focuses on the broader concept of “best available evidence,” integrating evidence-based practices, current research, legislation and professional guidelines, outcomes data, case examples, professional experiences, and insights from deaf populations.

Examples of National Deaf Center practices that utilize this approach and are integrated into the delivery of technical assistance include interactive gaming platforms for youth developing self-determination skills, community-based conversations as a way to identify local needs and generate solutions, and just-in-time learning experiences for professionals. 

“This multi-pronged and strengths-based approach helps guide the National Deaf Center and can serve as a model to others in the field to improve current practices, identify innovative methods, and reduce systemic barriers to support deaf success,” said Cawthon. 

Read the full report.

Save This
ClosePlease login
Tags: cultural competency, deaf community, evidence-based, models of practice, research, Stephanie Cawthon, technical assistance

Other News Items

summercamp
March 28, 2024
In The News and Opinions, All News
...For deaf youth, summer camps bring opportunities to build relationships, develop their identities, and strengthen skills for the future. Whether they are day camps focused on coding, virtual programs in the arts, or overnight outdoor adventures, research shows that summer programs can have a significant, positive impact on the lives of deaf youth....
Two person sitting and discussing while looking at a laptop.
March 15, 2024
...If you were unable to join us for our recent webinar, Breaking Barriers: Enhancing Self-Advocacy Skills & Navigating the Grievance Process for Deaf Students, don’t worry! We've got you covered with a recap of the essential insights on navigating college accessibility as a deaf student—especially when the process hits bumps along the way....
Diversity group of people raising their hands.
March 8, 2024
All News, Resources and Initiatives
...More and more people are working in healthcare fields – including deaf people. Our analysis of the American Community Survey reveals that over the last 10 years there has been a 72% increase in deaf students enrolling or majoring in healthcare-related fields (U.S. Census Bureau, 2024)....

Need Help?

Fill out this form to get help from the NDC team.  Can’t see the form below? Click here to contact the NDC team.