Home » #DeafSuccess at HBCUs: Exploring Deaf Student Experiences
#DeafSuccess at HBCUs: Exploring Deaf Student Experiences
FOR PROFESSIONALS
#DeafSuccess Networks
at HBCUs
NDC would be working directly with institutions to offer support to improve their ability to implement practices and strategies that will increase participation in and completion of postsecondary training and education programs. The goal is to establish a professional work group to explore current practices, existing resources, and opportunities to build institutional capacity.
The aim of the project is to strengthen institutional capacity at HBCUs to recruit, retain, and support Black deaf students. In partnership with Dr. Ramirez-Stapleton, researching and documenting deaf student experiences at HBCUs to increase awareness that HBCUs are an accessible option for postsecondary education.
FOR STUDENTS
Seeking Students to Share Experiences at HBCUs
Did you know there is a long history of deaf students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities? Regrettably, this legacy is not well documented. We want to change that!
In 2022, a collaboration formed between Dr. Ramirez-Stapleton and the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes began to explore deaf student experiences at HBCU’s. The objectives of the study are…
- To learn more about the experiences of Black Deaf and hard of hearing students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- To share the strengths and challenges of HBCUs ability to recruit, retain, and graduate students with disabilities
- To make a connection between the past HBCUs and Black Deaf student relationships and how the past informs our current reality.
- To provide resources to support HBCUs in serving Deaf students.
HBCU’s with esteemed traditions and great pride, offer rich and valuable experiences for all students to develop their talents and skills. We seek Deaf and hard of hearing students enrolled in HBCUs now who are willing to document their college experiences through two interviews. We believe your stories will support future generations in considering HBCUs for their educational journey. We aim to ensure that deaf students are aware that HBCUs are a viable and valuable opportunity for pursuing postsecondary education.
Deaf Legacy Project — Student Recruitment Criteria
Currently Enrolled
at a Historically Black
College or University
Identify as
Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing
with a Hearing Loss
Participate in Cohort
of 8-10 Students for
Spring 2023 (Jan-May)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

HBCU Listening Session
If you are a professional representing an HBCU and are interested in learning more about the #deafsuccess HBCU Network, register to join a virtual networking and listening session. This session is open to disability service staff, faculty, and administration.

Exploring Deaf Student Experiences at HBCUs
NDC believes every deaf person should have access to education and training opportunities; this includes the rich culturally specific experiences at HBCUs. These institutions, with…