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About

About

Our Mission

Learn.
Connect.
Transform.

We share information, networks, and strategies to improve continuing education and training for deaf people.

It includes sections on research and data, transition tools, online learning, and training and support. The platform seems to offer informative materials, tools, and support for deaf teens preparing for life after high school.

What We Do

Our products and services are deaf-centered, evidence-based, and developed in response to community needs.

We offer online courses, online gaming tools for youth, data reports, research summaries, evidence-based resources, webinars, and more.

We also provide individualized consultation, training, and resources that help community members, organizations, and schools improve outcomes for deaf people in continuing education and training. 

Our Values

Our work is guided by our collective beliefs and commitments to:

  • Promoting individualized and person-centered approaches to each situation. 
  • Combining the lived experiences of deaf people with research and data to improve evidence-based decision-making.  
  • Partnering with communities to strengthen relationships, outreach, and engagement with members.
  • Centering the experience and expertise of deaf people in every aspect of our work.
  • Identifying systemic barriers to address root causes of problems and create solutions to make lasting impact.

Transforming Your Institution: The How and Why

Deaf people often encounter barriers in education, training, and employment settings. A systems perspective can help reduce or eliminate these barriers by addressing underlying root causes of problems to create solutions that will make a lasting impact and create sustainable solutions. NDC has resources to support your institution as you transform your focus to improve overall system coherence, strengthen relationships, and reframe attitudes to eliminate barriers.

Learn More

More About Us

We are a technical assistance and dissemination center funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The National Deaf Center is located at the University of Texas at Austin, based in the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk at the College of Education.

Carrie Lou Bloom, PhD, and Tia Ivanko, MA, NIC, are Co-Directors of the National Deaf Center.

Meet Our Team

Leadership

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Carrie Lou Bloom, PhD

Leading with the power of research, data, and high expectations.
Co-Director
This is an image of Tia Ivanko. The image shows her smiling at the camera. she has curly hair and brown eyes.

Tia Ivanko, MA, NIC, ADAC

Believes in creating better opportunities and is ready to do the work together.
Co-Director
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Sara Fair

Living at the intersection of communications and accessibility.
Communications Director
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Lore Kinast, EdD

Loves working toward better access for deaf students in higher education.
Director of Strategic Support

NDC Team

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Malibu Barron

Lifelong learner navigating multiple truths and experiences via intersectional lens
Strategic Support Coordinator
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Sarah Brown

An interpreter who likes to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.
Access Coordinator
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Chase Burton

Creating change through visual mediums.
Media Coordinator

Erika Chirino

A servant leader is a servant first, to empower success.
Operations Manager
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Latoya Dixon, M.Ed

A disability rights advocate, ADA critic, and believer in inclusive accessibility.
Accessibility Resource Specialist
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Zane Fleming

A believer in the power of gaming to create a lasting positive impact on deaf youth
Game Program Coordinator
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Karla Giese, EdD

An educator passionate about knowledge…always learning!
Instructional Designer
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Leele Girma

An engager providing accessible contents in bettering for advocacy and belonging.
Social Media Coordinator
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Jen Higgins

Finds happiness at the intersection of accessibility, assessment, and research.
Strategic Support Coordinator
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Kate Lewandowski, M.S.

A problem solver with a passion for access and inclusion
Strategic Support Coordinator
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Brit Macias

Bringing more creativity to our world.
Media Specialist
This image is of a woman who is a reddish jacket with a black top inside. She has a small chain around her neck. She has curly light brown hair & is wearing an eyeglass.

Jay Mills, M.A.

Digital technologist with a passion for creativity, accessibility, and connection.
Digital Content Manager
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Vanessa Molina, M.A.

Radical learner and educator to empower students as change agents
Accessibility Resource Specialist
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Diego Ozuna-Clark

A thinker, Diego values intentional conversations.
Strategic Support Coordinator
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Jeffrey Palmer, PhD

Believes every research question deserves consideration over coffee.
Research Associate
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Carmen Rodriguez, M.A.

Technology-savvy, advocating for equal opportunities for all!
Community Relations Manager

Mary Sanderson

A thoughtful team player dedicated to growth through research and collaboration.
Research Specialist
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Kent Turner

A game designer who aims to level up self-advocacy skills for deaf youth.
Game Designer

Affiliated Personnel

A short black haired person in glasses smirking and wearing a zipped up jacket posing for picture.

William Albright

Using hands to communicate with humans & machines
Senior Software Engineer
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Crescenciano Garcia

Two signed and two spoken languages, plus a sprinkling of digital aptitude.
Access Specialist
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Isabelle Garreaud

Small person with a big passion for inclusivity & equal access.
Project Specialist
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Jana Mauldin

Vulnerable, passionate interpreter/presenter focused on authentic connections.
Access Coordinator
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Kah Mendoza

Channeling creativity in storytelling through all forms of art and media.
Community Liaison
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Christopher Moreland

Engaged in driving access to healthcare, education, and careers.
Professor – Internal Medicine
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Saul Orellana

On a mission to change the education system for future deaf youth.
Program Support Specialist
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Jonah Winninghoff

Beyond crunching numbers, analyst delivers results with meaning and integrity.
Data Scientist
  • Last Modified: April 2, 2025
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National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes
The University of Texas at Austin
College of Education, SZB 5.110
1912 Speedway, Stop D4900 Austin, TX 78712

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons International License.

© 2025 The University of Texas at Austin/The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk.

This website was developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, OSEP #H326D210002. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government. Project Officer: Dr. Louise Tripoli

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