February 24, 2025

News & Updates from the SSAT/DHH Team

 

NEW:

 

Matthew C. Graziadei Achievement Scholarship

The Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC) is proud to offer the Matthew C. Graziadei Achievement Scholarship Award to support North Carolina high school seniors with disabilities. The award amount is $1,500, with the potential for a higher amount and/or runner ups, depending on funds. This scholarship is awarded directly to the student and can be used for any postsecondary experience, including further education, employment related expenses, independent living, pursuing hobbies, or purchasing assistive technology and/or other equipment needs. Any high school senior in North Carolina with any type of disability.

This includes:

• Students who are homeschooled, enrolled in private schools, public charter schools, or traditional public schools.
• Students with or without a 504 Plan or IEP.
• Students who will receive either a diploma or a certificate.

More information is available on the application which needs to be submitted by Friday, February 28, 2025.

 

 

Upcoming Trainings for Educational Interpreters

 

March 15, 2025 - The Importance of Fingerspelling in K-12 Educational Settings (Alamance-Burlington)

Key use of vocabulary and appropriate use of fingerspelling are two areas on the EIPA that on average are scored low throughout the state. This workshop will focus and teach the didactic approach as it relates to educational interpreting while giving participants opportunity to use hands on experiences to practice. 0.6 PS CEUs will be awarded.

https://go.ncdpi.gov/Fingerspelling

March 21, 2025 - Interpreting as a Related Service (Erwin)

There are many things that interpreters do as “just part of the job” but is it documented appropriately? This training will review the IEP process and how interpreting as a related service should look like on an IEP and who / when they should have it added. 0.4 PS CEUs will be awarded.

https://go.ncdpi.gov/IRS25

 

 

 

REMINDERS:

 

Consultant Contact: IDEA Consultant for Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Nancy Woytowich, current IDEA Consultant for Deaf and Hard of Hearing in regions 1- 4 is moving on to a new opportunity. We are grateful for the eight years Nancy spent at DPI providing technical assistance and support to PSUs and we wish her all the best.

 

Beginning Monday, February 17, 2025, Virginia Madorin will be the contact for technical assistance and support related to students who are deaf or hard of hearing in regions 1-4 until the position can be filled. Virginia will continue to support regions 5-8 during this time. Virginia’s contact information is virginia.madorin@dpi.nc.gov.

 

 

 

Usher Syndrome Webinar Series

Offered by the North Carolina DeafBlind Project

 

Part 1: Understanding Usher Syndrome

Date: March 18, 2025 Time: 1:30-2:30

Description of Webinar: What is Usher Syndrome? Population Estimates, Types of Usher Syndrome, and Q&A.

Registration Link

 

Part 2: Educational Considerations for Students with Usher Syndrome

Date: March 25, 2025 Time: 1:30-2:30

Description of Webinar: Working with Students with Usher Syndrome, Ask the Experts, Connecting with Resources, and Q&A.  Registration Link

 

 

Save the Date: Deaf Field Day

Deaf Field Day will be held on April 10, 2025 from 10am - 2pm at UNC-G. It is open to students PreK - 12th grade. Please complete this interest survey for planning purposes. 

 

 

ENCSD Summer Program

The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf's summer program, Operation Accelerate will be back this year, June 9th-20th, 2025.  This summer program is open for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in the Eastern part of NC to apply. The application is open now and will be closed on March 21.  Both English and Spanish applications are available.  The program includes field trips, STEM activities, sports, art and explorative play, life skills, and American Sign Language enrichment.  Overnight boarding for eligible students is available Sunday - Thursday.  If you have any questions, please contact Natasha Wood.

 

 

 

IMPORTANT LINKS:

 

SSAT/DHH Canvas Hub

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Canvas Hub

 

Office of Exceptional Children: Professional Development Calendar

NCDPI Calendar of Events in Calendar View    

NCDPI Calendar of Events in List View