Resources for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Assessments, Learning and Programs
Communication Services for the Deaf (CSD)
CSD is a nonprofit organization that is committed to breaking down communication barriers for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. CSD offers a range of services and programs that enable the deaf community to communicate effectively with others, access information, and achieve their goals. CSD's services include video relay interpreting (VRI), which allows deaf and hard of hearing individuals to communicate via video call with an American Sign Language interpreter, and text relay services that enable users to communicate via text with hearing individuals. CSD offers job training and placement services, counseling and mental health services, and advocacy and policy initiatives to ensure that the rights and needs of the deaf community are represented and addressed. Additional CSD website resources include 1) a "Deaf Community Events" calendar of events reflecting activities and happenings across the U.S., 2) a "Resource Center" that provides information on a variety of topics, including education, technology and health care and 3) a blog that features articles and news related to the deaf and hard of hearing community.
DeafTEC
DeafTEC: Technological Education Center for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students, a National Science Foundation Advance Technological Education Resource Center, serves as a resource for high schools and community colleges that educate deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students in STEM-related programs and for employers hiring DHH individuals. The specific resource link provides information from DeafTEC, targeting employers about accommodations in work environments for people who are DHH. Information includes definitions, parameters of reasonable accommodations, types of accommodations and additional links and resources to support hiring, employing and supporting a workforce containing individuals who are DHH.
- Teaching & Learning: The best practices and strategies were developed to support instructors and staff who work with students who are DHH in inclusion classes. The goal of these resources is to improve teaching practice that will provide greater access to learning for students who are DHH but will benefit all students in the classroom as well because they are based on UDL principles.
Informal Inventory of Independence and Self-Advocacy Skills for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students
This inventory is intended to aid collaboration among students, parents, and educational team members. It is very important to include the student's input during the completion of this inventory. This tool can be used to plan educational services and to determine appropriate goals that can be considered for the student's IEP.
Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs (IPSE)
This webpage describes a variety of Transition Student programs, including Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) programs. IPSE programs are designed for students with intellectual disabilities to expand their access to postsecondary education. IPSE programs provide age-appropriate opportunities for learning, employment preparation, recreational activities, social interactions and the development of natural supports.
National Deaf Center - Transition Resources
This webpage includes information on transition/life skills checklists and resources.
- Transition Topics: The goal of transition is to ensure students are prepared for life after high school. Transition planning should consist of small milestones like increasing self-advocacy skills and larger milestones like completing degrees or certifications and getting jobs. Transition goals are deeply personal and individualized - and often change over time. NDC has developed a variety of resources and tools using evidence-based strategies to support transition planning for deaf youth.
The Self-Determination Inventory - ASL Translation
Students with Sensory Loss (Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Dual Sensory Impaired, and Visually Impaired) require an assessment of their proficiency in the Expanded Core or Expanded Skills found in CPalms.
Transition Assessment and Goal Generator (TAGG) - ASL Translation
All assessment items are derived from research identified student behaviors associated with post high school success, focused on employment and further education. The TAGG provides a norm-based graphic profile, present level of performance statement, lists of strengths and needs, and suggested IEP annual transition goals.
Career Awareness and Exploration
National Association of the Deaf (NAD): Tips and Information for Finding Jobs
Getting a job that you want involves a lot of searching, and the search is easier with preparation. To be prepared means having the following: creating a great resume and cover letter; getting strong recommendation letters; preparing for your interview; networking with people who can help you get jobs; and employment assistance options.
Pre-Employment Transition Services Guide
This guide provides resources, practices, and considerations to support the provision of the five required pre-ETS categories with clients who are deaf/HH: job exploration, counseling, work-based learning experiences, counseling on postsecondary opportunities, workplace readiness training and instruction in self-advocacy.
Supported Employment Services - Florida VR
This section describes Customized Employment Services which meet the customized needs of the employer while meeting the support needs of the employee.
Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Youth Services
These services include the five services encompassed by Pre-ETS: Job exploration counseling; Postsecondary educational counseling; Self-advocacy training and peer mentoring; Work readiness training; and Work-based learning experience.
Engaging Families
American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC)
ASDC supports parents of children who are DHH through ASL. Families of students who are DHH may require explicit instruction in ASL and deaf culture to meet the transition needs of their children which can be addressed as a related service on the IEP.
Florida Hands & Voices
Parent driven organization that supports families with children who are DHH without bias around communication modes or methology.
Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (RMTC-D/HH) - Family Corner
RMTC-D/HH provides technical assistance to families of students who are DHH through consultation as well as through the provision of accessible video content (captioned/signed) and professional development materials through the Media and Materials Loan Library. Technical assistance may be provided in the areas of: implementing assistive technology, accommodations, access to the general curriculum, specialized instruction, transition, sign language support, support for learning for students whose primary mode of communication is ASL, support for students who use listening and spoken language, and the identification of appropriate hardware and software for use with students who are deaf/hard of hearing.
Self-Advocacy/Self-Determination
DeafVerse
Deafverse is a choose-your-own-adventure self-advocacy and self-determination online game created just for deaf teenagers, where they can learn important skills for success in high school and beyond. Players get to make their own choices, stand up for themselves, build confidence, and develop skills that they can use in real life. This free game includes the following accessibility features: ASL, English voiceover, and large print.
Map It: What Comes Next is a free, online, interactive training designed for transition-aged students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Video vignettes signed in ASL with spoken English and written transcription, self-assessments, and a series of interactive questions guide students as they identify their goals and develop strategies to achieve them. All interactive materials are saved and compiled in an electronic portfolio.