Programs and Services - Center for Deaf Studies and Special Services

Academic Programs

• American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies Program - Our American Sign Language Program and has taught over 1,000 hearing students the fundamental principles of ASL and Interpreting as well as Deaf Culture. These classes are taught by highly skilled and dedicated faculty. The teachers and staff at the Center are knowledgeable, caring and fluent in ASL. The program is staffed by full-time and part-time instructors, all trained and certified in the area of education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people.

• Deaf Education - Prepares students to work in the field or Deafness. 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.

• Deaf Preparatory Program - Here students are challenged to not only develop intellectually and socially, but an emphasis is placed on cultural learning as well. Our diverse student population has represented 50 states and more than 12 countries. We come together with the common thread of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and we unite to stretch our minds, grow, and share together - like a family. We would love to have you join us.

• Interpreter Preparation Program - Prepares students to work as professional interpreters serving Deaf People in a variety of settings. Our program offers a basic interpreting background for students desiring to pursue a career in cross cultural communication.

Other Programs & Services

• Counseling - There are full-time counselors for the Deaf on staff as well as other support services. Counselors provide assistance with registration; personal, academic, and social concerns; and educational, vocational and career guidance. The Ohlone Deaf program is unique in that there are both self-contained and mainstreamed classes. Students may work toward a certificate, A.A. and A.S. degree, or may fulfill requirements needed to transfer to four-year institution.

• Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS) - Provides an opportunity for all individuals to gain maximum benefit from their educational experience. Students with physical or medical disabilities are encouraged to participate within the limits of their disabilities in the same activities and courses as other students. Special services are provided to meet the unique needs of physically challenged students and help them achieve a successful college career.

• Gallaudet University Regional Center (GURC) - For Graduates and Transferring Students. While many graduates go on to study at Gallaudet (http://www.gallaudet.edu/), Often the students use the services of the Ohlone College Gallaudet University Regional Center. Other students transfer to N.T.I.D. which is part of the R.I.T. Rochester Institute of Technology (http://www.ntid.rit.edu/), or C.S.U.N. also known as California State University at Northridge (http://www.csun.edu/), or other California State Universities (http://www.calstate.edu/).

  Additional information about deafness is available at http://www.csun.edu/~sp20558/dis/deaf.html.

• Interpreting Services - Supplies classroom and academic activities with American Sign Language Interpreters, note takers, and Real time Captioners for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and their faculty.

• Workability III - This program can either help students find part-time or full time employment. In lieu of transferring to a University, Some students prefer to use their acquired skills and immediately enter the workforce through the program. Others may need assistance in preparing their skills for the work world.