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Deaf Education Program - Center for Deaf Studies and Special Services

Certificate of Completion

A certificate of course completion is awarded upon completion of the specific course work in the Deaf Education Department. The Deaf Education certificate includes course work in the Deaf Education Department.

These two certificates are designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students who wish to work in the student life program at the residential school for the Deaf, or as a teachers aide in a classroom with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

Theoretical background in the Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, along with practical applications of these theories are emphasized throughout the program. The curriculum was designed with input from the administration at the California School for the Deaf (CSD) to ensure that graduates of the program are qualified for employment opportunities at CSD and other programs serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. Course completion in both Deaf Education I and Deaf Education II are required by the State of California for employment as a residential counselor. All courses are taught in American Sign Language.

Certificates

Review academic requirements in the Catalog and in the Curriculum Guides. All students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to review academic program requirements and/or have questions answered.

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Student Learning Outcomes for Deaf Preparation / Deaf Education

Upon successful completion of the courses in this discipline, the student will have acquired the following knowledge and skills:

  • Develop individualized Student Education Plans outlining personal, educational, and career goals using multiple measures.
  • Become advocates for themselves with regard to personal, educational, and career aspirations.
  • Chart personal, educational, and career plans beyond Ohlone.

Deaf Education Certification Program

  • Identify jobs within the field of deaf education that would match their personal interests and skills.
  • Identify strengths and weaknesses of various communication methods, language options, and placement sites that are currently being used with deaf children in educational settings.

Intensive University Preparation Program (IUPP)

  • Pass IUPP Exit Exam and demonstrate eligibility to enroll in ENGL-151B and MATH-152.
  • Demonstrate successful achievement of the objectives of the IUPP as able to read, discuss, and react to college level readings; compose essays having clear organization, thesis, and support; express original ideas in English with few grammatical errors; and demonstrate independent study habits.

Community Education and Self Improvement Program

  • Demonstrate growth in writing and reading skills.
  • Enhance interpersonal, technological, and community awareness skills needed to become more independent and self-sustaining.

Direct Employment Program

  • Participate in job search activities, actively pursue job leads, and utilize job placement services.
  • Demonstrate the attitude and behavior needed to obtain gainful employment.

Faculty

  • Tom Holcomb
    Professor
    TDD (510) 659-6083
    tholcomb@ohlone.edu
    B.A., Gallaudet University
    M.S., Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
    Ph.D., University of Rochester, New York

Career Highlights

With the California School for the Deaf (CSD) located in Fremont, there are many employment opportunities for those who desire to work with Deaf Children. The Deaf Education program is designed specifically for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students who wish to earn a certificate of completion in Deaf Education through classes taught in sign language. Theoretical background in the education of Deaf children along with practical application of these theories are emphasized throughout the program. The curriculum was designed with input from CSD administration to ensure that the graduates of the program are qualified for employment opportunities at CSD and other programs serving Deaf children.

There is a continued demanded for individuals who are qualified and trained to work with Deaf Children, both at CSD and in mainstream settings throughout the state. More critically, there is a need for Deaf and Hard of Hearing role models in the educational environment. With the certificate, graduates are qualified to work in the student life department as a counselor, in the academic department as a teacher's aide or tutor, in the preschool as an assistant to the teachers, or as a child care provider. Student may be employed as teacher's aides while studying for their certificate. In addition, they may transfer to a university to pursue advanced studies to become a certified teacher or administrator.

Employment Opportunities

Some of the specific occupations graduates might apply for are:

  • Teacher Aide 094.327-101
  • Instructional Aide 249.367-074
  • Tutor 099.227-034
  • Teaching the Deaf 094.224-101 8459

Detailed information about these occupations can be obtained through an information search of the above D.O.T. codes (Dictionary of Occupational Titles) and the EUREKA codes (Eureka Career Information Computer System) in the Student Success Center.