National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes

Legislative Action Center Take action with CEC's Legislative Action Center.

🖊️ Add your name to protect OSERS and federal disability oversight:

👉 exceptionalchildren.org/lac?vvsrc=/C...

Every signature helps send a clear message: students with disabilities deserve strong federal protection under IDEA and ADA. #ProtectIDEA #4SpecialEducation

Protect Disability Rights: Restore OSERS ⚠️ Sweeping cuts at OSERS (OSEP & RSA) threaten compliance with IDEA and ADA. Without federal oversight, deaf and disabled students risk losing the education and rights they are guaranteed by law. Tel...

This isn’t just a budget issue—it’s a civil rights issue.
Federal leadership is essential to uphold IDEA and ADA, and to protect the rights of children and adults with disabilities.
Read more in our newsfeed:

nationaldeafcenter.org/news-items/p...

Without OSERS:
Students with disabilities risk losing access to education, transition supports, and accommodations.

States and schools lose federal guidance, accountability, and funding.

Families and professionals lose the infrastructure ensuring consistency and quality.

Protect Disability Rights: Restore OSERS ⚠️ Sweeping cuts at OSERS (OSEP & RSA) threaten compliance with IDEA and ADA. Without federal oversight, deaf and disabled students risk losing the education and rights they are guaranteed by law. Tel...

The recent Reduction in Force (RIF) at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)—including OSEP and RSA—jeopardizes decades of progress in disability rights, education, and employment. #ProtectIDEA #4SpecialEducation 🧵 [thread]

AI as an Accommodation for Deaf College Students Colleges are still struggling to set clear AI policies, even as students, faculty, and staff are already using these tools.. Nearly 80% of Gen Z students report using AI, and most believe that schools...

80% of Gen Z students already use AI.

But most colleges still don’t have clear AI policies. For deaf students, that’s the difference between access and barriers.

From captions to note-taking to writing tools -- AI is here. Why aren’t we using it as formal accommodation? bit.ly/AIAsAnAccomm...

Online Learning NDC offers a variety of free online learning opportunities to support the postsecondary success of deaf students. Earn professional development clock hours by completing one of our modules or dig deep...

🌐 429,531 badges earned.
📚 Thousands of learners engaged.
🌟 One shared goal: stronger and better access for deaf students.

This #DeafAwarenessMonth, keep growing your skills with us and make an impact. Enroll in our free online courses today ➡️ bit.ly/NDCOnlineLea...

Student Advisory Boards as Catalysts for Change Colleges across the country are working to create more welcoming environments—but one key question remains: Are deaf students and students with other disabilities being meaningfully included in the de...

When deaf & disabled students are part of the conversation, campuses grow in ways that really matter. Their insights help shape stronger programs, smarter policies, & better everyday experiences. Student advisory boards are one way to make that happen. Learn how it's working: bit.ly/StudentAdvis...

35 Years of the ADA: How NDC Supports Access and Progress This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that continues to shape access and opportunity for people with disabilities across the United States. ...

35 years of the ADA.

It opened doors for deaf people to access school, work, and daily life.

At NDC, that impact is personal and ongoing.

See how the ADA still shapes what we do: bit.ly/35YearsOfADA #ADA35

A promotional graphic for the AHEAD 2025 - 48th Annual Conference, taking place July 14–18 in Denver, CO. The graphic features logos from the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) and the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC). Large bold text at the top reads: “SAY HI TO US AT THE AHEAD 2025 - 48TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE." Below it says: “PRESENTATION.” Two sessions are highlighted: First session: Title: “Proactive Tools and Strategies for Effective Sign Language Interpreting Services” Date & Time: Wednesday, July 16 from 11 AM–12:30 PM Presenters: Latoya Dixon, Accessibility Resource Specialist (photo of a smiling Black woman with long braids, wearing a magenta top). Lore Kinast, Director of Strategic Support (photo of a smiling white woman with long curly gray-blonde hair and glasses) Second session: Title: “Improving Outcomes for Deaf Students by Addressing Barriers and Strengthening Systems” Date & Time: Wednesday, July 16 from 3:30–5:00 PM Presenters: Vanessa Molina, Accessibility Resource Specialist (photo of a smiling Latina woman with long dark hair, wearing a sleeveless black top, standing in front of leafy plants). Kate Lewandowski, Strategic Support Coordinator (photo of a smiling white woman with long blonde hair, wearing a light denim button-up shirt). Each presenter’s photo is in a circular frame with a green border and paired with a curved arrow pointing toward them. Background is light gray with clean, organized layout and teal accent colors for date/time blocks.

We’re going to #AHEAD2025! If you’re working toward the same goal—supporting deaf students in college—come find us! We’re presenting and would love to connect.

Being deaf and autistic isn’t always visible but the impact is real.
This story is part of a larger conversation.

🔗 Read the full resource here on how to better support them in college, transition, and career support settings: bit.ly/WorkingwithA...

Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: The Impact of the National Deaf Center Across the U.S., deaf people face persistent barriers in education and employment. Only 5% of deaf people are enrolled in postsecondary educational programs—half the rate of hearing peers. Just 22% ha...

Deaf students deserve access and opportunity—and local systems can’t do it alone. Protect IDEA Part D.

Support the national programs that make local success possible.

📖 Read why this matters: bit.ly/ProtectIDEAP...
👉 Then sign the petition today: exceptionalchildren.org/lac?vvsrc=/C...

College Is Your Next Quest—Let’s Make It Legendary! Deafverse: Legends of the Eldertree is a free, online educational game designed to help deaf teenagers prepare for life after high school. This is Deafverse like you’ve never seen it before.

We're excited to introduce Deafverse: Legends of the Eldertree-a NEW online game designed to help deaf students practice self-advocacy & decision-making skills as they prepare for college. Take a look at what it offers, then play & let us know what you think!

nationaldeafcenter.org/news-items/c...

It only takes one person to make a difference. 💛

This story is a reminder that small shifts — rooted in awareness — can open the door to meaningful connection.

Watch the full video and explore FREE tips + tools for supporting deaf people with disabilities. 🔗 nationaldeafcenter.org/resources/de...

Community Conversations at University of Puerto Rico Campuses In partnership with the University of Puerto Rico campuses in Aguadilla, Río Piedras, and Cayey, our team traveled to the heart of Borinquen. The university campus staff invited NDC because they saw a...

What we saw in Puerto Rico was powerful:
Campus teams stepping up.
Families pushing for access.
Deaf students dreaming big—and being heard.

📲 Read full story here: nationaldeafcenter.org/news-items/c...

63.9% of employers know a youth is deaf, but only 15.4% provide accommodations (Newman et al., 2011). That gap puts futures at risk.

To help change that, take our FREE, 1-hour module to learn how Pre-ETS can support deaf youth as they move from school to college or work. ➡️ bit.ly/PreETSandDea...

Are Deaf Students with Multiple Disabilities Getting the Support They Need on Your Campus? Think of a garden. Each plant has different needs—some require more sunlight, others need shade; some need deep soil, others thrive in shallow ground. But with the right environment, every plant can g...

Deaf students with disabilities face unique challenges in college—many of which go unseen.

If you're looking to deepen your understanding and strengthen your practices, this is a good place to start:
🔗 bit.ly/DeafStudents...

Excited to share new research article by Dr. Latisha Porter-Vaughn and Dr. Lissa Ramirez-Stapleton on Black deaf women at HBCUs! 🔥 Proud to have supported the larger study behind this work.

Read the free article here: jaawge-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/jaawge/artic...

The photo shows a group of people sitting around a round table in a large, open conference room. The table is covered with black tablecloths and scattered with papers, a plate with napkins, and several laptops and phones. Some participants are typing on their laptops, while others are engaged in conversation. One man, Kelton, in a blue suit is signing in American Sign Language (ASL) toward the group. The background shows other tables with more people in small group discussions. The room has high ceilings, tall white walls with black paneling at the bottom, and large blank panels overhead.

Session in action! Loved coming together with passionate fellows to share ideas, learn from each other, and explore new ways to support access for all deaf college students. #aera2025

Colorado Incorporates Digital ASL Access at Workforce Centers Visitors to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s workforce centers and vocational rehabilitation centers can now access free American Sign Language interpreting services through a new pil...

Big step for accessibility in Colorado with a launch of a pilot offering free ASL access at workforce centers! Thank you to Government Technology for mentioning our data in your piece. 👏

When you get a chance, give it a read!

Kicking off Day 1 in Denver! We’ve landed at #AERA2025 and we’re ready to dive in—who else is here and excited to connect?

Online Surveys NDC Values Information From the Community The data we collect helps us develop products and services that meet your needs, and improve access for deaf students in transition settings and beyond! Help ...

How can higher ed better support deaf students? If you’ve lived it or supported it, we want to hear from you.

📌 Campus Experience → current students.
📌 Career Services → current students & grads (past 5 yrs).
📌 Coordinating Disability Services → DSS pros only.

Visit here: bit.ly/ndcsurveys

A light grey background with the AERA logo on the top left corner and the NDC logo on the top right corner. Title in black reads: "FIND US AT THE 2025 AERA ANNUAL MEETING. With black text underneath that reads: "APR 23-27 DENVER, CO." Underneath is the presentation: "Disparate Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Deaf College Students. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 3:30-5:00 PM, CENTRAL. The circle is Carrie Lou Bloom, a White woman with glasses and long brown hair. Underneath is another title that reads: "Deaf Sig Roundtable Sessions." FRIDAY, APRIL 25 12:40-2:10 PM, CENTRAL. A black text beneath it is smaller texts that reads: "Interpreter Burnout and What It Means for Deaf Students." First circle is Jeffrey Levi Palmer, a man with dark hair, glasses, and a beard and mustache. Another title that reads: "Reading Between the Lines to Increase Belonging and Retention." The first circle is Kelton Bloxham, a White man with glasses, and a beard and mustache. The second circle is Mary Sanderson, a White women with glasses and long blonde hair.

We’re heading to #AERA2025, hosted by @aeraedresearch.bsky.social!

Join us at the biggest education research event of the year—2,500+ sessions, including ours!

Come say hi and let’s chat about all things education and accessibility for deaf college students.
Details here: bit.ly/AERA2025

“Deaf college students were nearly twice as likely to take a leave of absence or withdraw during the pandemic—despite receiving institutional support. What does this mean for the future of accessibility in higher ed?”

Check out the full findings here! ⬇️

[Image description begins... Grey background with darker grey font that reads: " While I was aware of low graduation rates, I was shocked with how low it truly was—especially at the college level. I will take this information, especially the statistics, to continue advocating for marginalized communities. Elexis Blake. Theres a large quotation marks fading in the background and NDC logo in the lower right corner. End of image descriptions.]

The Deaf Awareness Micro Certificate is helping people rethink access and take action for change. Best part? It’s FREE and self-paced!

Learn real strategies, read powerful stories, and walk away with tools to create better spaces.

Ready to take the next step? Sign up today! bit.ly/EnhanceYourD...

Employment and Education in the Rural Deaf Landscape Rural areas boast beautiful open spaces and close-knit communities, but they also come with big challenges, especially for deaf people. A new report from NDC—“Rural Deaf Experiences: Employment and Ed...

More deaf people live in rural areas than hearing people, yet resources often fall short—fewer school and job opportunities, interpreter shortages, and unreliable internet.

The data is clear—these challenges are real, & change starts with awareness. Read here: nationaldeafcenter.org/news-items/e...

Ever wondered how deaf folks are doing in jobs & education? We’ve got the latest State Reports, and the numbers might surprise you! Explore it, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation.

Visit now: bit.ly/StateReportO...

If you could give one piece of advice to your former grad school self, what would it be? Drop your wisdom in the replies to support future Deaf grad students!

Deaf grad students, impostor syndrome can make you question your place—but you deserve to be here. 💪 Want more insights? Check out our grad student page for the full video and resources to help you thrive.

bit.ly/GradStudentR...

A grinning Asian woman is sitting in a wheelchair while holding a gavel. She appears to be feeling inspired by what she’s seeing on the television next to her. The image on the television is of a smiling Black woman dressed in a judge’s robe holding a gavel.

Happy National Deaf Youth Day! Today, we celebrate the strength, creativity, and brilliance of deaf youth. From school to work and beyond, you’re shaping the future every step of the way.

Keep pushing forward, keep growing, and most importantly—keep being YOU! #NDYD #NationalDeafYouthDay

Summer Camps - YouTube

Support deaf youth in making the most of their summer! Our video playlist offers insights on summer camp experiences and preparation—great for educators, VR professionals, and anyone working with deaf students.

Watch now and share with your network! bit.ly/PrepForSumme...