National Deaf Center (NDC) Online Course: DEAF 101

Description:

Deaf 101 is a free online short course designed to provide basic knowledge and tools necessary to communicate effectively with deaf individuals, especially in educational and professional settings.

The course is broken down into two modules: the first describes the spectrum of deaf identity and answers common questions about deaf people; the second provides participants with quick tips and strategies to communicate effectively with deaf people.

You can take the course all at once or in multiple sittings; it generally takes 3 hours to complete. Upon completing this free 3-hour course, participants may receive an attendance certificate with 3 clock hours printed on it. This certificate of attendance, with supervisor pre-approval, may be applicable toward re-certification of Virginia teacher licensure.

The course is designed to support a wide variety of people: American Sign Language (ASL) students & teachers, teachers of deaf students, as well as professionals working with deaf coworkers in the workplace and those working with deaf students in educational settings, such as counselors, transition specialists, disability service professionals and so on.

Deaf 101 helps participants to build knowledge and skills needed to:

• Describe different groups the term “deaf” may include
• Compare different terms used for deaf people
• Avoid common misconceptions about deaf people
• Promote positive attitudes towards deaf people
• Summarize the three federal laws that protect equal access for deaf people
• Use accommodations and other strategies that support effective communications between deaf and hearing individuals

In addition to Deaf 101, NDC offers families and professionals a full array of resources that support those working with deaf people.