A college professor in California recently sparked a national controversy by shouting at a hard of hearing student in their class when the student failed to respond in what the professor believed was an appropriate amount of time.
Many people found it outrageous that a college professor would not account for the time it takes for a question to be conveyed to the student through a communication access service. But, for deaf students, this interaction was not nearly so shocking.
It’s been said that the most meaningful change happens at the local level. But how can local communities involve more deaf people in decision making and let them lead the way in creating positive systemic change?
That was the topic of For Deaf People, By Deaf People: Centering Deaf People in Systems Change, a panel discussion hosted online by the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC) and its Engage for Change | local (EFC) initiative, which work toward improving educational and employment outcomes for deaf people by facilitating community- and deaf-led dialogs across the nation.
Successful community engagement is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Creating a positive impact in deaf communities — especially for deaf youth transitioning from high school to adulthood — requires knowledge and skills to facilitate conversations, earn and strengthen relationships, and develop action plans that prioritize deaf people’s needs.
Learn how in Engaging Deaf Communities for Systems Change, a new self-paced professional development course now available in the free online learning library of the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC).
Greetings from NDC. In 2020, we learned so much about ourselves and our systems. It unveiled substantial gaps and disparities that must be dismantled in order to create equitable opportunities for all. Now more than ever — we must commit to show up and be in service.
The transition from high school to further education, training, or career is a pivotal time for young people. Marginalized groups – including deaf students – are especially vulnerable during this time, and access to services is critical to ensuring success.
State leaders in deaf education, vocational rehabilitation, and other areas vital for #DeafSuccess met online on Jan. 12 as part of the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes’ Engage for Change | state initiative.
Carrie Lou Garberoglio, PhD, was named director and principal investigator of the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC) effective January 1, and Tia Ivanko, MA, NIC, ADAC, was named associate director and co-principal investigator.
These days it can be considered a cliche, but for me, it’s very heartfelt: I sincerely hope this update finds you and your family healthy and safe. As you well know, the National Deaf Center specializes in transitions — the big life changes that prepare us for success and set paths toward bright futures. Now it is time for our own transition.
The Engage for Change | state (EFC) team from Idaho is known for being a model for others. Now, thanks to a partnership that includes funding from one of the nation’s biggest food companies, they are taking that to the next level as they prepare deaf youth for success after high school.
The lived experience and knowledge of deaf community members must guide policy changes, strategic planning, and programs that are designed to reduce barriers and increase opportunities for deaf people in the United States. In reality, however, this is seldom the case. Decisions are made for, and behalf of, deaf people without involving them every day. This upcoming live event panel on Dec 8 is an opportunity for panelists to gain an understanding of the importance of including deaf people in decision making and key elements of deaf-led community projects.
Leaders in education and vocational rehabilitation (VR) met throughout the summer and fall in Engage for Change | state (EFC) online regional meetings organized by NDC — determined to advance their short-term pandemic response and proactively create long-term strategies to improve services, support, and outreach to deaf youth.
