National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes

As professionals dedicated to the success of deaf college students, understanding and utilizing Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services can greatly enhance the support you offer. Watch as Zara shares her tips on leveraging VR services to optimize educational and career outcomes for your students. For comprehensive guidance, visit our website to explore our FREE VR guide. This resource simplifies the VR process and details the services available, providing you with the tools to effectively assist your students. Since each state’s VR system varies, familiarize yourself with your local options to best support your students’ success. Access the guide here: https://lnkd.in/gNk-9shj [Accessibility Description: Zara, a deaf college-age student with long, blonde hair and fair skin stands in front of a blue background. She signs. Speech: Are you getting a vocational rehabilitation counselor soon or do you already have one? I have some tips for you! First remember to always self advocate; you know your career goals the best. Do your research and show your commitment to your future. The next tip is to meet with your VR around 1-2 years before graduating high school. Bring all important information, being ready for your VR meeting. Ask questions. The next tip is to make sure you and your VR agree on how to communicate because sometimes your VR doesn’t know how to sign or other when you use sign language and end up needing an ASL interpreter. Make sure to have your accommodations in order such as having a captioner, an Interpreter, or more beforehand. If you’re unsatisfied with your current VR counselor or your VR isn’t the best fit. It is OK to change to a new VR. Make sure to keep all of the emails and documents from your VR. This is because when you get a new VR, one can give you information. You can look back on old emails and documents for reference and proof. The next tip is always to keep in touch with your VR counselor. Email your VR your grades, billing information, scholarships, schedule and classes. Always do this because if you don't communicate with your VR, your VR can stop giving you services. Always to make sure to stay in touch with your VR. Did you know that your counselor can assist with more than just tuition? They can assist with class supplies and even finding jobs. Make sure to ask what resources are available to you. There are many resources available. VR services can sometimes feel overwhelming but remember you aren’t alone in this NDC has a website here: https://lnkd.in/gdUHgUre. It is a student portal with many tips and resources relating to VR services. You can look at it to help you with your next appointment with your VR. Remember that self advocacy is the key to your future! Video Description: Text appears, “Tips for Deaf Students: Working with Vocational Rehabilitation.” End of Accessibility Descriptions.]

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🚨[flashing light] Hot off the press!🚨[flashing light] Check out our new report, “Supporting Deaf College Students: Perspectives from Disability Services Professionals (2023-2024).” Discover how technology, and the importance of equity & access are shaping the future of support for deaf students on campus. Are colleges truly meeting their needs? 🤔 [thinking face] Find out the latest trends in our report! Link: https://lnkd.in/g-C3abHb [Accessibility Descriptions: Grey background starting with dark teal title that reads: "Newsfeed." Underneath is a green block with white texts that reads: "Current Trends in Disability Services for Deaf Student." There are several images of a laptop, an evrnople, a planet. and a newspaper from the right side to bottom. The NDC logo is on the envelope. End of Accessibility Descriptions.] #Deaf #HardOfHearing #HearingLoss #ASL #AmericanSignLanguage #SignLanguage #Deafverse #ChooseYourFuture #NationalDeafCenter #DeafCommunity #DeafYouth #DeafTeens #NADYouth #SelfDetermination #SelfAdvocate #Accommodations #Access #Equity #Inclusion #StudentAdvocacy

New to college & confused? Saul’s been there! Saul, like many deaf students, went from a deaf school to a mainstream college feeling CLUELESS about accommodations. Learn your rights, ask questions, and get the support YOU need! Find free resources and tips on navigating college at https://lnkd.in/gwt6kWEC. [Accessibility Descriptions: Three people appear in Zoom windows. Saul, Precious, and Malibu. Malibu signs, then Saul responds. Speech: Malibu: What's your overall experience in obtaining access on your first day? What did your first year as a student look like? Go ahead and tell us about that. Saul: I'll go ahead and start sharing about myself. I went to a school for the deaf all my life. I was never mainstreamed. That is until I entered college my first year; it was a huge challenge because I didn't know how to get access, what I needed as accommodations within that university and what they offered. So during my first year, I, you know, interpreters have their different preferred classes, and the interpreter I was working with was not very clear and I didn’t know. I thought it was normal at the time, but I could have requested a different interpreter and asked for other accommodations like being provided CART during class. I had not known that. And that was the point where I realized that it was impacting me and that I’m in the real world now and I need to know about accommodations. Not just for education, but also this impacts future employment and the rest of my life. I focus on college because that’s where I am now. I did speak with my university’s disability services coordinator to receive support. The problem was that we needed to self-advocate. Many deaf students don’t know how. They simply accept what’s given to them. Video Description: The screen turns white and teal, white, and black shapes animate in with the text, “Navigating the College Experience. First Year as a Deaf Student.” End of Accessibility Descriptions.] #Deaf #HardOfHearing #HearingLoss #ASL #AmericanSignLanguage #SignLanguage #Deafverse #ChooseYourFuture #NationalDeafCenter #DeafCommunity #DeafYouth #DeafTeens #NADYouth #SelfDetermination #SelfAdvocate #Accommodations #Access #Equity #Inclusion #StudentAdvocacy

Congrats Alex J. Lucier! 🎉 We're thrilled to see people sharing their achievements! If you’re passionate about supporting deaf students, you too can earn your Accessibility Practices Certificate with us! Learn more and join a growing community of experts committed to making a difference! https://lnkd.in/gfkewayS

Curious about a better way to make decisions without second-guessing yourself? Using data can give you confidence that your choices are based on facts and the real experiences of deaf people, leading to positive outcomes. Take the first step in creating meaningful change by enrolling in our FREE online module to explore how data-driven decisions can drive equity and success. Link: https://lnkd.in/gjabzaPv [Accessibility Descriptions: Top half is grey and bottom half is dark teal. In the grey background, there's a title inn teal color that reads: "Online Learning." Beneath is another title in dark teal that reads: "Data Decision: Why Does it Matter?" Underneath the titles is a laptop showing a screenshot of the course. Under the laptop is a white block with dark teal text that reads: "Enroll in our FREE course to learn more!" End of Accessibility Descriptions.] #Deaf #HardOfHearing #HearingLoss #ASL #AmericanSignLanguage #SignLanguage #Deafverse #ChooseYourFuture #NationalDeafCenter #DeafCommunity #DeafYouth #DeafTeens #NADYouth #SelfDetermination #SelfAdvocate #Accommodations #Access #Equity #Inclusion #StudentAdvocacy

Make your campus a haven for deaf students! This FREE online Accessibility Practices Certificate (APC) equips you with the essential skills to create a truly inclusive learning environment. Here's why the APC is a must-do: 👉Master the knowledge and skills to empower deaf students (flexible, online format!). 👉Learn practical strategies for communication, accessibility, and building inclusive environments. 👉Gain valuable insights from experienced professionals through facilitated online courses and personalized feedback. 👉Earn a recognized certificate, expand your skillset, and connect with a network of like-minded professionals. Don't miss out to enroll today! https://lnkd.in/g88SNyj9. [Accessibility Descriptions: An image of a person sitting on a desk with a laptop facing them. There is a white block starting with the NDC logo and the Accessibility Practice Certificate badge. Underneath is a teal text that reads Accessibiliy Practices Certificate for Deaf Students. Underneath is smaller black text that reads: "Strengthen your knowledge and skills in working with deaf students!" Another smaller text underneath reads: Find out more at https://lnkd.in/g88SNyj9. End of Accessibility Descriptions.] #Deaf #HardOfHearing #HearingLoss #ASL #AmericanSignLanguage #SignLanguage #Deafverse #ChooseYourFuture #NationalDeafCenter #DeafCommunity #DeafYouth #DeafTeens #NADYouth #SelfDetermination #SelfAdvocate #Accommodations #Access #Equity #Inclusion #StudentAdvocay

"Whatever the size of your campus, it is important that the students have a feeling of connection." -- Matt Reining Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for deaf students is more important than ever. Dive into our latest newsfeed to see why and how your institution can amplify the sense of belonging. Read now: https://lnkd.in/gkP226ca [Accessibility Descriptions: Matt Reining sits in an office, a large window and closed window blinds behind him. To Matt’s left is a cabinet with a few books and some microphones visible. Some plants adorn the top of the cabinet. Matt appears to be a white male, with glasses and a red polo, Matt signs in ASL. Speech: As a student, I lived in a place called The Lighthouse, Building Six. I had so many different experiences, living with other deaf students, friends, and hearing people who could sign. The whole building was full of people who knew sign language. Whatever the size of your campus, it is important that the students have a feeling of connection. I remember my RA. During my three years living there, the RA developed a relationship with me. They were someone I could go to for help, ask for advice, ask for their thoughts about a situation, what I should do, what steps I could take. They were always readily available. Not all deaf students have that experience. But it’s important that they have some type of a sense of belonging. It could be through a role model or someone they personally connect with, talk with, but where they feel safe, seen and heard. Video Description: As Matt finishes his comment the screen fades to white, green and teal colors animate into a circle then into dark green text in a white rectangle: “Cultivating a Sense of Belonging” In a line below, white text in dark green rectangle: “Life at the Dorms” Screen flashes again and the NDC Logo appears above text, black lettering on a white background: nationaldeafcenter.org “This video was developed under a jointly-funded grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) #HD326D160002. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the federal government.” Project Officer: Dr. Louise Tripoli Next to it a logo reads “IDEAs that Work” with an arrow drawing a circle from “IDEAs” to “Work” and the words “U.S. Office of Special Education Programs”. End of Accessibility Descriptions.] #Deaf #HardOfHearing #HearingLoss #ASL #AmericanSignLanguage #SignLanguage #Deafverse #ChooseYourFuture #NationalDeafCenter #DeafCommunity #DeafYouth #DeafTeens #NADYouth #SelfDetermination #SelfAdvocate #Accommodations #Access #Equity #Inclusion #StudentAdvocacy

The new semester is just around the corner! Need help managing your time better? Check out these tips from our summer intern, Zara! Discover strategies to stay on top of your schedule and make the most of the semester. Let us know which tip you find most helpful! [Accessibility Descriptions: Video Description: Green, blue and white geometric shapes animate out to reveal a young, fair-skinned woman with long hair, wearing a black tee shirt and with a scrunchie and Apple watch on her wrist. She’s in a room inside a home and she signs ASL. Her message is open-captioned. Captions: Do you ever feel like you are having… Video Descriptions: Zara holds up her hand to highlight the text boxes appearing on either side of her. The text reads, “Too many tasks on the to do list,” and “Not enough time to do them all.” Captions: I’m the same way, I’m a college student; I understand. I’ll share some of my favorite time management tips. Video Description: A screen recording of the Calendar app. Text appears at it’s typed, adding an event titled “Study for the upcoming math exam.” She then adds a specific date and time. Captions: The next tip is to minimize distractions while working on something. For instance, you could put your phone away. Video description: A screen recording of a pink background. Letters appear as they are typed. “Things to do: -math exam this Friday 4 PM. -write an essay about cats. Captions: The third tip is to put down your tasks either on paper or digital. To keep track of your tasks can be helpful. Video description: The scene goes back to Zara in her room. Captions: This next tip is to prioritize things to do by, looking at the due dates and seeing which are due sooner or deciding, which is more important with this, you can decide which tasks to be completed first, second, or third by prioritizing tasks. Those are my four time management tips! If you have more tips to add, please share them in the comments! Video description Green white and blue geometric shapes animate in revealing two banners with a text, “Tips for Students: Time Management” End of Accessibility Descriptions.] #Deaf #HardOfHearing #HearingLoss #ASL #AmericanSignLanguage #SignLanguage #Deafverse #ChooseYourFuture #NationalDeafCenter #DeafCommunity #DeafYouth #DeafTeens #NADYouth #SelfDetermination #SelfAdvocate #Accommodations #Access #Equity #Inclusion #StudentAdvocacy

Y’all love our NDC videos, right? Now’s our chance to let the world know why our stories matter! Help our amazing team member, Chase Burton, get a spot on the #SXSWEDU panel to share the power of storytelling. Every vote counts, so vote for us at https://lnkd.in/gvEv2zTB before AUGUST 18TH! [Accessibility Descriptions: A gradient of blue, green, orange, and yellow are in the background starting with a black text that reads: "Vote for my panel picker proposal, SXSW community voting ends on August 18th! Beside is an image of Chase Burton, a white man with glasses, brown hair, and a dark beard, wearing a suit with a red tie. Underneath is a black block with white text that reads: "Chase Burton." End of Accessibility Descriptions.] #SXSWEDU2025