39 States to Convene at NDC on June 17-19; García-Fernández Presents Keynote

Published on June 17, 2019

This is a black and white image of a woman named García-Fernández.

The third annual Engage for Change | state convening at the National Deaf Center on June 17-19, 2019, will gather more than 80 leaders from 39 states to collaborate on improving deaf education and employment throughout the United States.

Attendees will come from Alabama to Wyoming to the three-day conference, representing various schools and colleges, school districts, and state departments of education, mental health, rehabilitation services, employment, disability, and vocational rehabilitation. They will consult with the National Deaf Center team and each other, dive deep into data and resources, and develop future state priorities and initiatives.

Convening session topics include programs in mentoring, self-determination, and work-based learning; promoting high expectations; developing collaborative systems; understanding new data on education and employment; and leveraging community resources.

The convening keynote will be presented by Carla García-Fernández, Ph.D., on June 18 and is titled “The Role of Intersectional Identities of Deaf Youth in Education and Employment Outcomes.” An expert on marginalized communities in deaf education, Dr. García-Fernández is Assistant Professor of Deaf Studies at the California State University at Northridge and is co-founder of Teachers for Social Justice: Deaf Learners. She received her doctorate in cultural studies in education from the University of Texas, earned a master’s degree in multicultural education from the University of Arizona, and has a bachelor’s degree from Gallaudet University.

“Growing up, I was taught to embrace my deaf identity, but my other multiple intersecting identities were not sufficiently understood, and therefore could not be discussed and embraced,” said Dr. García-Fernández. “Now as a teacher and advocate, I realize many deaf children of color share experiences similar to mine. My research allows me to explore the tangle of identities that exist, and the implication of their intersections for deaf people of color.”

Working with state teams is a significant part of the mission of the National Deaf Center. Throughout the year, Engage for Change | state works with each unique team to provide networks of shared leadership and peer support, as well as assistance with research, state data, and stakeholder engagement. Sample state activities for deaf youth include implementing a summer camp, developing an online financial literacy course, and launching an internship fair.

Additionally, the National Deaf Center engages on the local and national levels to further create systemic change.

Save This

Other News Items

NDC Slides (3)
February 27, 2023
All News
...For deaf youth, summer camps bring opportunities to build relationships and strengthen skills for future endeavors. Whether they are day camps focused on coding, virtual programs in the arts, or overnight outdoor adventures, research shows that summer programs can have a significant positive impact on the lives of deaf youth....
Screen Shot 2023-02-24 at 10.26.29 AM
February 24, 2023
All News
...On February 16, 2023, NDC hosted an event, Exploring Interpreter Shortages in Postsecondary Settings, to which the response was overwhelming. 100 participants were able to join us during that listening session—thank you for sharing your perspectives and engaging in constructive dialogue. We apologize to the participants who were unable to join the session due to technical difficulties. We have resolved and made the necessary adjustments for the next upcoming session....
open-badges
February 2, 2023
All News, Online Learning and Courses, Resources and Initiatives
...NDC open badges are here! Open badges are verifiable credentials earned by participation in and completion of NDC sponsored activities. Badges  are a visual representation of participant learning journeys, accomplishments, and mastery; and serve as documentation for engagement in online learning, webinars, and targeted activities....

Need Help?

Fill out this form to get help from the NDC team.  Can’t see the form below? Click here to contact the NDC team.