News

...Disability service professionals (DSPs) can play a vital role in helping deaf students access the testing accommodations they need. DSPs can work with students to identify their individual needs, advocate for those needs to be met, and provide them with information and support throughout the testing process....

...At the National Deaf Center, we are committed to empowering all deaf people and ensuring they have equal access to opportunities in education, employment, and beyond. To continue our mission of breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity, we need your valuable feedback....

...NDC was thrilled to attend this year’s Southeast Regional Institute on Deafness (SERID) conference held in Charlotte, NC, from October 26th to 29th. The conference featured a series of workshops and networking opportunities focused on collaboration, community engagement, and program development....

...As the fall break approaches, this time of year offers the opportunity to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with loved ones. Whether you're planning a family gathering, a quiet getaway, or simply taking a well-deserved breather, NDC has put together a list of suggestions to help you mindfully unwind....

...Using games in the classroom is an excellent way to keep students engaged and interested in learning. This is especially true for educators teaching youth valuable transition skills, which isn’t always the most exciting subject. Educators of deaf students may find it challenging to find accessible resources that can help their students thrive. That’s why NDC created Deafverse, an online Choose-Your-Own-Adventure game designed by deaf people for deaf students that teaches key transition skills such as self advocacy and career readiness, in 2019. ...

...Coordinating effective accommodations and services for deaf students in a college setting requires careful planning, collaboration, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity. In this blog post, we will explore the essential steps involved in providing the best possible support for deaf students, ensuring accessibility, inclusivity, and a positive educational experience....

...The Department of Education, Office of Special Education, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and a team of partners began planning the second annual “We Can! Virtual Deaf Career Day” event in early spring 2022 and hosted the event on December 2nd, 2022. The event was a resounding success, with over 150 high school students across the state and 29 panelists from across the country participating!...

...Deaf people in the United States are less likely to be employed than hearing people, and employment rates vary widely by race, ethnicity, and disability. This is according to new data from the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)....

...In a step towards advancing the accessibility and empowerment of deaf students, the National Deaf Center (NDC) is unveiling an innovative online Community Forum tailored to the needs of disability services professionals. This platform is designed to create a collaborative space for professionals working to improve support services and resources for deaf students at their institutions....

...Exploring the purpose and functionality of Assistive Listening Devices and Systems (ALD/ALS) for disability service professionals cannot only enhance their own expertise in serving deaf students, but have a positive impact on the student experience when requesting accommodations. Accommodation usage is an individualized experience, and needs may vary depending on context, content, setting, and even conversation partners. ...

...Many college operations are not set up with streamlined processes for accommodation expenses. Often they are operating on a ‘decentralized’ system. A decentralized system is where departments or organizations have various ranges of autonomy and decision making as it relates to funding and coordinating access services. This can create barriers that can impact deaf students’ engagement in campus activities. In contrast, a centralized funding system provides colleges a clear process with coordinating accommodations across campus that allows for greater access and belonging for deaf students....

...Accessibility is a shared responsibility and partnerships on campus are critical to making sure accommodations are in place. Disability Service professionals play a crucial role in facilitating the dialogues that ensure online learning courses are accessible for deaf students by collaborating closely with instructors—however, they are not solely responsible. To achieve this goal, several key strategies can be employed and should be a joint effort across all departments....