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Degree Programs > Arts & Sciences> Intensive Preparatory Program for the Deaf (Special Programs)

Intensive Preparatory Program for the Deaf (Special Programs)

Intensive Preparatory Program for the Deaf: A Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Preparatory Students

Kapi'olani Community College has the largest population of deaf and hard of hearing students among all the campuses in the University of Hawai'i system. Since the establishment of the Gallaudet University Regional Center for the Pacific Region in 1988, the population of deaf and hard of hearing students has increased from one or two per semester to 25 per semester. The students come from a variety of educational backgrounds and geographical locations. Many of our deaf students come from ethnic backgrounds that are grossly under-represented in higher education, such as Hawaiian, Filipino, Samoan, Tongan and Southeast Asian.

Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Kapi'olani Community College: Through coordination of services with Kapi'olani Deaf Center, Special Student Services, and the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, a strong foundation of supplemental support has been built to assist the students. Components of this support system include:

• Individual and small group tutoring
• Interpreter services and training
• Notetakers and Computer Assisted Notetakers (CAN)
• Deaf awareness training for staff and students through orientations
• A counselor proficient in ASL for deaf and hard of hearing students

In order to fulfill the need for a more intensive, holistic approach to education that takes into consideration cross-cultural differences, a preparatory program has been offered since the Fall of 1996. The Intensive Preparatory Program for the Deaf has been designed as a comprehensive, immersion program that exposes deaf students to various experiences and concepts while improving and increasing their language abilities. The program approaches the deaf student with respect for their culture and language in order to increase self-esteem and therefore increase their motivation to study and learn

How is the program structured? The Intensive Preparatory Program consists of intensive fundamental courses for deaf and hard of hearing students, taught by an instructor skilled in ASL and knowledgeable about the Deaf culture. Courses are conducted on a daily basis, three hours per day. Methods of teaching are based on current research in the field of Deaf education including the use of a holistic, theme-based approach. Each theme is introduced through visual modes, excursions, movies, videotapes, slides, graphic displays, and/or guest speakers. This approach develops students' knowledge base or background information from which the students can further develop. Each theme is explored in the various content areas throughout the curriculum. The content areas include Language, Academic Skills, Human Relations, and critical thinking skills.

Planning For Your Future? The goal of the program is to prepare students for entry into a two- or four-year college of their choice. We realize that some students may benefit from these teaching styles in other classes. In light of this, we hope to expand the program in the future to include higher-level English courses. Through these efforts we can better prepare upcoming students for higher education.

How Will This Benefit Me? The goal of the program is to prepare students for entry into a two- or four-year college program of their choice. The program ensures flexibility and commitment to meet individual student needs on a variety of levels. It provides the necessary bridge to sustain their educational opportunities while preparing students for future success in higher education.

Who Do I Contact For More Information? Students may contact Judy Coryell, GURC Director (734-9210, coryell@hawaii.edu ) or Layce Reed, Counselor for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students (734-9798. anareed@hawaii.edu) for more information about the Intensive Preparatory Program for the Deaf.

Links:
Educational Interpreters and Assistants (EIA) Project Website -
http://programs.kcc.hawaii.edu/~eia/

Gallaudet University Regional Centers:
http://gurc.gallaudet.edu/