Description: Improving Campus Access is a facilitated course that provides basic knowledge and the tools necessary to understand the complexities of providing access to deaf students pursuing postsecondary education. Research shows significant barriers prevent deaf students from thriving in college and career-readiness programs. This course explores Campus Access as a multi-dimensional framework. To date, accommodations are believed to provide adequate access to opportunities in postsecondary settings. This course challenges that notion to frame access as not merely providing accommodations. When deaf students have access on campus, they can fully engage in both academic and social experiences.

This course intentionally centers deaf student experiences and the cumulative impact of systems barriers. At the end of this course, you should be able to challenge assumptions and advocate for system-wide initiatives that foster the inclusion of deaf students in every aspect of college life.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will possess the knowledge and skills needed to:

1. Differentiate between access vs accessibility for deaf students in college settings

2. Evaluate campus accessibility, identify barriers, and generate plans for change

3. Provide examples of deaf-centered practices to strengthen the inclusion and engagement of deaf students on college campuses.

Course Facilitators: This course will be facilitated by NDC staff and/or in partnership with seasoned professionals in the field.

Anticipated Time to Complete Course:

This facilitated course will require a 15-hour commitment over four weeks. Engagement will be primarily asynchronous, and there will be two (2) 2-hour Zoom meetings scheduled for the second and third weeks.

*Sign language interpreters and CART will be provided for each meeting. To request additional accommodations, please email learn@nationaldeafcenter.org.

Dates: Please express your interest by signing up for our waiting list. We will contact you when we are ready to begin a new cohort.

Prerequisites:

To enter the next cohort, you must complete the following prerequisite modules before the beginning of the course:

• Deaf 101
• Attitudes and Biases as Barriers For Deaf People
• Transforming Systems to Achieve Equity for Deaf People
• Discovering System Barriers and Exploring the Why
• Legal Frameworks and Responsibilities for Accessibility

Professional Development: This course is approved for 15 NDC Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Clock Hours.

Badge Information: Accessibility Practices - Campus Accessibility