Are you thinking about graduate school? Or maybe you’re about to start? If so, you’re not alone! More deaf students are enrolling in graduate programs each year, including healthcare programs and majors. Getting a master’s degree or higher can help you earn more money and open up more career opportunities. On average, deaf individuals with a master’s degree or higher earn $15,000 more per year than those with just a bachelor’s degree (Bloom, Palmer, Winninghoff, 2024).
Graduate school can help you gain specialized knowledge and become an expert in your field. Plus, by succeeding, you can inspire other deaf students and make your profession more accessible—but it’s not easy! If you are looking for tailored resources and a guide for tackling graduate school, look no further. Our new Graduate Student Resource page has all that and more—check out a sneak peak of what this new page has to offer below!
Self-Advocacy
As a deaf graduate student, you may face barriers related to access, representation, and attitudes on campus. It’s important to advocate for yourself to ensure you get the accommodations you need. While institutions must provide accessible learning environments, you also need to communicate your needs and discuss any barriers you’re facing.
Requesting Accommodations
There is no one-size-fits-all for accommodations. You might need different accommodations in different settings. For example, you might prefer an interpreter in a seminar class but a captioner in a statistics class. Don’t be afraid to try different accommodations to see what works best for you.
Tips for Taking Online Classes
Online classes can be synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid, and access needs may differ for each format. Accommodations for online classes are different from in-person classes. Online classes may be synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid, and access needs may differ for each format.
Information on Certification & Licensure Training
Upon completion of graduate school, you may be required to take a test to obtain certification or licensure, such as the Bar exam after law school or the National Counselor Examination.
Prioritizing Self-Care
Graduate school can be stressful, so don’t forget about self-care. Take time for your mental well-being and seek out resources on campus or online. Self-care is crucial for maintaining your health and success.
Building Your Professional Network
Building a professional network is an important part of graduate school. Attend professional events and conferences to connect with others in your field.
Remember: you are not alone in this graduate education journey. Many deaf students have successfully navigated graduate school, and you can too. By using the right resources and advocating for yourself, you can overcome the challenges and succeed in your field. Also, don’t forget to check-in with your disability services office; as your needs change, so should your accommodations!
If you are struggling to get services at your institution, reach out to us for personalized, free, and confidential 1:1 support from our Help Team. Send us an email at help@nationaldeafcenter.org and we can work together to ensure that you receive the accommodations you need to reach your academic goals.
