Deaf Preparatory Program - Center for Deaf Studies and Special Services
Our Mission
 The Center for Deaf Studies is to provide quality post-secondary education and training opportunities to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. The Center is committed to full communication access for all who can benefit from instruction. In order to implement the mission of the Center, faculty and staff are all fluent in American Sign Language, trained in the areas of Deaf Education and/or Rehabilitation Counseling, and are sensitive to the diverse cultural and educational backgrounds of the students.
Program Highlights
Because the Center has one of the largest and most comprehensive programs in California specifically designed to meet the academic and vocational needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, a wide variety of programming is available. The Center offers self-contained classes in which the instructor teaches in American Sign Language. These classes are designed to meet the individual needs of each students. Course offerings include English as a Second Language for foreign-born students, work experience classes, college preparatory classes, and college-level transfer coursework. In addition, the Center offers Certificate of Achievement or an Associate of Arts Degree in Deaf Education and Sign Language Studies. College-Preparatory courses offered include English, Writing, Reading, and Grammar, ESL, and Mathematics. College level courses are offered in Deaf Education, Deaf Culture, Deaf History, ASL Linguistics, Career Exploration, Personal Development and College Study skills.
The Students
Deaf and Hard of Hearing students at Ohlone come from California, out of state and many foreign countries. They come from residential schools, mainstreamed programs, oral programs, and other college and university programs. Students range in age from high school to post-retirement. They enroll in a variety of programs both as full-time and part-time students. The large population of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students allows for a wide variety of extracurricular activities both on and off campus. In addition to the Ohlone Deaf Voice Club students are involved in all phases of campus life. Opportunities to interact with hearing students are plentiful as the Center offers ASL classes to more than 500 hearing students each year. Off campus, students become involved in the many activities available in the Bay Area Deaf Community (such as DCARA).
Courses
You can view a schedule of classes offered using our online Class Schedule. Deaf classes use the Subject Code "DEAF". Contact a Center for Deaf Studies counselor with your questions.
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
The Center has 8 full-time and several part-time instructors. In addition, counselors and a support staff of interpreters and resource persons are available for Deaf students. Approximately half of the instructors and counselors are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
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 Tom Holcomb
Professor
TTY/VP (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
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Judith Gonzales
Adjunct
jgonzales@ohlone.edu
-
 Alyce S. Lentz
Associate Professor
TTY/VP (510) 659-6185
Fax (510) 659-6032
alentz@ohlone.edu
B.A., Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.
M.A., Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.
-
 Nancy Pauliukonis
Associate Professor
Voice (510) 659-6092
TTY/VP (510) 569-6114
npauliukonis@ohlone.edu
B.S., University of Tulsa, Oklahoma
M.A., San Jose State University
-
 William Wong
Associate Professor
TTY/VP (510) 659-6273
wwong@ohlone.edu
A.A., Ohlone College
B.A., Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.
M.A., San Francisco State University
Employment Opportunities
Many students that enter the program may be looking for jobs to support them while they are in school. There is a special program here with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation of the State of California that can help called Workability III. The program helps students while they are in school or after they have finished the program to find gainfull employment. The only requirement is that you must apply and have an open case with Vocational Rehabilitation.
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