National Deaf Center (NDC) is launching a new learning opportunity: the Deaf Awareness Micro Certificate! This self-paced program is designed for everyone—disability services professionals in higher ed, postsecondary training professionals, ASL students, educators, and service providers. This certificate provides foundational knowledge to help professionals improve educational and training program experiences for deaf students.
What is the Deaf Awareness Micro Certificate?
This micro certificate is a series of online learning modules that cover topics like lived deaf experiences in education settings, the impact of attitudes and assumptions on deaf people, and existing barriers for deaf people within systems. The goal is to help those working with deaf individuals gain a deeper understanding of the deaf communities they work with and the challenges facing deaf students.
NDC Micro Certificates offer a self-paced way to build knowledge and awareness of deaf communities. Learn about lived experiences and evidence-based practices that can create accessible learning and work environments for deaf people. Each micro certificate includes a set of online learning modules that gradually teach you about topics such as deaf awareness, understanding barriers to accessibility, exploring the impact of attitudes and assumptions, and creating inclusive spaces. These micro certificates are for anyone who works with or wants to work with deaf people. The flexible pathways allow you to learn at your own pace while building skills to enhance your abilities to connect with deaf people in different settings.
Why is This Certificate Important?
The Deaf Awareness Micro Certificate is a focused program that encourages self-awareness and understanding of systems and assumptions experienced by deaf people. The Deaf Awareness Micro Certificate will allow you to explore the diverse lived experiences of deaf people and learn strategies to create inclusive, accessible environments. Through self-reflection, you will be challenged to examine personal attitudes and assumptions about deaf people and apply methods to challenge and deconstruct them. Additionally, you will explore the barriers deaf individuals face in education, training, and work environments and learn strategies to advocate for and promote deaf-friendly policies and practices.
It’s time for a change—deficits exist within the system, not deaf people. This certificate is an opportunity to better understand the experiences of deaf people who are pursuing postsecondary education and training. Then, evaluate how you can partner and address inequities to improve deaf people’s experiences. Every deaf person should have an equal opportunity to succeed.
The Deaf Awareness Micro Certificate promotes access in programs serving deaf people. Low expectations and negative attitudes about deaf people continue to be prevalent across a range of education and training settings. These inequities stifle the potential of deaf people to achieve set goals. This program is perfect for anyone currently working with or wanting to work with deaf people. The modules are designed to be flexible, so you can learn at your own pace. By completing these modules, participants will be better prepared to work with deaf people and deaf communities and gain a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers and lived experiences of deaf people.
Ready to Get Started?
This certificate is more than just a learning experience—it’s a commitment to work in community with deaf people. The Deaf Awareness Micro Certificate is available now—register today! If you’re ready to enhance your understanding and create partnerships with deaf people,, this program is for you. Whether you’re already working with deaf individuals or looking to expand your knowledge, NDC’s micro certificates offer the tools you need to succeed.
If you have questions about how this certificate program can help create a brighter future for deaf students in postsecondary education and beyond, email us at learn@nationaldeafcenter.org. As always, NDC is here to help! For individual support or other inquiries, contact our Help Team at help@nationaldeafcenter.org.
