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January 24, 2020
The Minnesota Academy for the Deaf will host a summer transition program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students from June 14-26, 2020. This Pathways to Life program is similar to the summer program for the blind. There is no cost for this program other than if the family needs transportation to and from the site or if they need one-to-one support. Last year we had 12 students enrolled. Both students and families indicated that this program gave DHH students more confidence and readiness for the next step in their lives. We have extended the application deadline for this year's program to January 31, 2020. Please talk about the program with your DHH teachers and Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams.
Research indicates that students who are DHH have unique needs not covered in the general education curriculum. Students with hearing differences may require explicit teaching in order to receive what other students receive via incidental learning. Many teachers without specialized training related to hearing loss do not have the expertise to address these unique needs (Denzin and Luckner 1988).
Students who are DHH need explicit instruction on:
- How to write a resume.
- How to apply for a job.
- What to say about their disability and abilities to do the job.
- Pragmatic information (say hello, elaborate when asked a question, shake hands).
- How to ask for accommodations.
- How to arrange for accommodations.
- Costs of living on your own.
- Costs of a college or technical school experience.
- Loans.
Most students last year did not know much about any of this and left feeling like they knew so much more.
Please contact Mary Cashman-Bakken, Minnesota State Specialist: Deaf and Hard of Hearing, videophone 507-412-5214, for assistance with questions or for more information.
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