Post on 17-Aug-2020
The Deaf Studies program at Towson University is a multidisciplinary curriculum
incorporating the sociological, anthropological,
and cultural considerations of the Deaf community.
What can I do with a Bachelor’s Degree
in Deaf Studies?
A 2012 study reported 78% of alumni utilize the knowledge and skills from the Deaf Studies program in
their current careers. At the time of the study, 99% of participants were employed or continuing with
their education and report applying the knowledge and skills learned in each of their undergraduate
programs. The graph below shows the percentage of respondents choosing the following fields:
Cooper, S.B., Emanuel, D.C., Cripps, J.H., (2012). Deaf studies alumni perceptions of the academic program and off-campus
internship, American Annals of the Deaf , 157(4), 373-390.
Graduates of Towson University’s Deaf Studies Program
are prepared for a variety of careers:
Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree
Administrative positions may be available at agencies that provide services to Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of
Hearing Americans. Services may include advocacy, legislative and other outreach services to Deaf, Deafblind
and Hard of Hearing individuals. Duties vary depending upon the needs of the agency and services provided.
Job Title Abridged Job Description Hyperlink to Job Description
ADMINISTRATIVE JOBS WITH DEAF-RELATED AGENCIES
American Association of the
Deafblind
AADB is a nonprofit national
consumer organization of, by, and
for Deafblind Americans and their
supporters. AADB provides
advocacy and outreach to
businesses, legislators, and
government entities on behalf of
people with combined vision and
hearing loss. Duties may include
providing support to staff, doing
outreach, responding to inquiries,
and assisting with membership.
AADB
MD Governor’s Office of the Deaf
& Hard of Hearing
This agency provides expertise
related to Deaf, Deafblind and
Hard of Hearing issues for
Maryland Individuals and
facilitates their ability to access
resources and services. Duties may
include responding to requests for
information, publishing weekly
updates, providing outreach, and
other duties as required by agency
needs.
ODHH
National Association
of the Deaf
NAD is the nation’s premier civil
rights organization of, by, and for
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
individuals in the US. Duties may
include outreach and advocacy on
the national level.
NAD
PUBLIC SERVICE PROFESSIONS
Emergency Management Team
(EMT)
Care for individuals who may be
injured or ill in emergency medical
situations. It is critical to have
EMTs in these situations who can
communicate in the person’s first
language, such as American Sign
Language.
EMT
Parole Officer
Work with individuals who have
been released from prison after
serving a sentence; supervise and
monitor parolee progress as they
complete the terms of parole. It is
important to have parole officers
who can communicate with
individuals in their first language,
such as American Sign Language.
Parole Officer
Probation Officer
Monitor offenders to ensure those
on probation strictly follow all
probation conditions mandated by
the judicial system. It is critical to
have probation officers who can
communicate with individuals in
their first language, such as ASL,
to ensure probation requirements
are met. 0
Probation Officer
Religious Leader
Offer spiritual and moral guidance,
and support to followers of their
religion. It is essential to have
religious leaders in all faiths that
can communicate and ensure that
the Deaf Community is welcomed
and included.
Religious Leader
Catholic
Episcopal Conference
Jewish Deaf Congress
Methodist
DEAFBLIND-RELATED CAREERS
Deafblind Specialist/Intervener
Provide the support necessary to
assist Deafblind individuals with
finding suitable employment
and/or increasing independence
within the home or educational
setting.
Deafblind Specialist
Center For Deafblind
Intervener
Intervener Education
DB-TIP
Support Service Provider Enable people who have combined
vision and hearing losses to access
What is a SSP?
their environment and make
informed decisions by providing
them with visual and
environmental information, sighted
guide services, and communication
accessibility.
SSP Overview
EDUCATION-RELATED CAREERS (OUTSIDE OF TEACHING)
Behavior Specialist
Design, implement, and evaluate
children and their problematic
behaviors to understand the causes;
produce socially significant
improvements by teaching the
appropriate skills to reduce
problematic behavior. Most
schools for deaf children have this
position.
Behavior Specialist
Behavior Specialist Additional
Information
Dorm Counselor/Student Life
Counselor
Coordinate activities and provide
guidance to Deaf and Hard-of-
Hearing students in residential
facilities. Serve as mentor and role
model, offering advice and
assistance with everyday life skills
and providing referrals as
appropriate to other staff members.
Help with homework; order
supplies; determine the need for
maintenance, repairs, and
furnishings; maintain household
records; assist residents with
problem solving and counseling
resources. Most schools for deaf
children have this position.
Dorm Counselor
Student Life Counselor
One-to-One Education Assistant
Work one-on-one to support
students as part of a
multidisciplinary team with
teachers and other support
personnel to provide additional
attention and instruction to
students with special needs. Both
mainstream schools and schools
serving deaf children have this
position.
One-to-One Education Assistant
Paraprofessional Educator/
Paraeducator
Provide support to teacher and
students with disabilities in the
classroom who need modified
instruction or assistance. Both
mainstream schools and schools
dedicated to serving deaf children
have this position.
Paraprofessional Educator
Transition Specialist
Plan, coordinate, deliver, and
evaluate transition education and
services at the school or system
level, along with other educators,
families, students, and
representatives of community
organizations. Most schools for
Deaf children have this position.
MSDE Transition Information
Transition Specialist
REHABILITATION SERVICES
Addictions Counselor
Help identify psychological factors
that contribute to an addiction,
working with clients to rid
themselves of the addiction and the
emotional issues surrounding the
behavior. Most communities have
Deaf people with addictions and
need staff with signing skills &
knowledge of Deaf culture.
Addictions Counselor
National Assoc. for Addiction
Professionals
Counselor Licensing
Deaf Addiction Services at
Maryland
Minnesota Chemical Dependency
Program for the Deaf
Assistive Technology Specialist
Organize and implement services
for people with physical and/or
communication disabilities
including assessments of an
individual’s abilities and needs.
Make recommendations for
appropriate assistive technology,
and teach the skills necessary to
utilize the technology. Provide
training and support on the use of
technology.
Assistive Technology Specialist
Maryland Assistive Technology
Network
Case Manager
Help provide services to assist
individuals and families to cope
with complicated situations in the
most effective way possible. Case
managers also help people to
identify their goals, needs, and
resources. Most communities have
Case Manager
Case Management Society of
America
social services agencies in need of
case managers with signing skills
and knowledge of Deaf culture.
Employment Development
Specialist
Assist with potential employment
opportunities and/or training,
focusing on specific areas of
technical knowledge or skills and
other proficiencies necessary for
some position and may refer some
clients to other agencies or
community service programs to
increase opportunities. Provide
job coaching on an as needed basis.
Use American Sign Language for
communication and have
knowledge of Deaf culture.
Employment Development
Specialist
Family Service Coordinator
Work with families and individuals
to help those in need by
coordinating housing, healthcare,
counseling, education, and/or
rehabilitative services. Most
communities have social services
agencies in need of staff with
signing skills and knowledge of
Deaf culture.
Family Service Coordinator
Job Coach
Provide specialized on-site training
to employees with disabilities by
helping them learn to perform jobs
accurately, efficiently and safely.
Most communities have
rehabilitation agencies in need of
staff with signing skills and
knowledge of Deaf culture.
Job Coach
Job Developer
Work with people with disabilities
to find/develop jobs based on skills
& interests. Most communities
have rehabilitation agencies in
need of staff with signing skills &
knowledge of Deaf culture.
Job Developer
Rehabilitation Counselor
Work with and assist individuals
who have disabilities by
maximizing their potential and
their independence in their
vocational, independent living, and
Rehabilitation Counselor
educational pursuits. Most
communities have rehabilitation
agencies in need of counselors with
signing skills and knowledge of
Deaf culture.
State Vocational Rehabilitation
Counselor
Help people find meaningful work
that increases independence
allowing them to contribute to their
communities. Vocational
rehabilitation counselors
implement plans for training,
therapy, and other support systems
that lead to success. All states
have rehabilitation agencies in
need of counselors with signing
skills and knowledge of Deaf
culture.
State Vocational Rehabilitation
Counselor
Vocational Evaluator
Implement a well-organized
vocational guidance program, by
administering the necessary
assessments and interpreting the
results along with counseling for
consumers,. All states have
rehabilitation agencies in need of
vocational evaluators with signing
skills and knowledge of Deaf
culture.
Vocational Evaluator Information
Work Adjustment Training
Counselor
Help individuals who have or can
learn the skills necessary to
increase their chances of finding
and maintaining employment while
encouraging the individual to
improve task production, speed,
task quality, stamina, and
attendance as well as interpersonal
skills through emphasis on the
demands and value of work. Most
communities have rehabilitation
agencies in need of WAT
counselors with signing skills and
knowledge of Deaf culture.
Work Adjustment Counselor
Adjustment Counselor
Information
RELAY/TRANSLATION SERVICES
CART Reporter
and
Voice to Text Transcription
Provide consumers who are Deaf
or Hard of Hearing an exact
(verbatim) speech-to-text instant
translation, through typing, which
appears on a TV, computer
monitor, web chat room,
projection screen, etc.
CART Services
C-Print
Vital Signs LLC
Relay Operator
Allows persons with hearing or
speech disabilities to place and
receive telephone calls using
typing. Relay service is available
in all fifty states, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico and the
U.S. territories for local and/or
long distance calls.
Relay Operator
Maryland Relay
CAREERS IN INTERPRETING
Interpreters work in a variety of settings including medical, legal, religious, mental health, rehabilitation,
performing arts, non-profit, corporate and private sectors. Even with fluent ASL skills, specialized training is
necessary in order learn the skills required to multitask and follow ethical standards of a professional
ASL/English interpreter. We strongly recommend completion of a recognized Interpreter Preparation
Program. Interpreter Preparation Programs are available at the certificate, Associate, Bachelor, and Master’s
degree levels. If interested, you can discuss which program is best for you with an advisor or mentor. You
may also visit the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf website at http://www.rid.org/ or Discovering
Interpreting at http://www.discoverinterpreting.com.
Registry of Interpreters for the
Deaf (RID)
A national membership
organization that plays a leading
role in advocating for excellence in
the delivery of interpretation and
transliteration services between
people who use sign language and
people who use spoken language
RID
Types of Interpreting
Community & Private Practice
Education
Healthcare & Mental Health
Non-profit & Corporate
Religious
Performing Arts
Deafblind-Tactile/Close-vision
Team
Video Relay/Video Remote
Interpreting
Interpreter Coordinator
Interpreter coordinators are responsible for a variety of complex tasks related to
managing and providing interpreters for a variety of settings to meet the needs,
and modalities of individual clients. They may also function in a supervisory
capacity, and may be responsible for oversight and management of offices and/or
conference events.
Interpreter Scheduler
Responsibilities may include contacting interpreters to assign jobs, scheduling
appointments, and updating calendars, coordinating assignments for workshops,
conferences, and classes. Knowledge of Deaf culture, and ADA, exceptional
communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as a team in a
deadline-oriented environment paying close attention to detail in a fast-paced
environment.
Customer Service
Representative
Obtain interpreting assignment information, confirm with customers, and maintain
effective communication with office staff. Must be flexible and able to prioritize
and manage workload in a fast-paced team environment.
CAREERS IN TEACHING
To become competitive, most candidates pursuing a career in Deaf Education complete a Master’s degree in
Deaf Education or a related education degree. Towson’s Elementary Education major along with a major or
minor in Deaf Studies is one route to employment and/or graduate school. A major in Deaf Studies with
elective courses in Education has also been a successful route to employment in Deaf Education.
Early Intervention Specialist/
Parent Infant Specialist/
Family Educator
Provide services to children with
certain developmental delays or
disabilities. Work with children
from infancy to age three.
Function as a member of a
professional team that provides a
variety of services to children and
their families.
Parent Infant/Early Intervention
MSD Family Education
State of Maryland - Early
Childhood Development
Itinerant Teacher
Provide specialized instruction to
students with hearing or vision loss
and support to their teachers.
Travels between schools
throughout the work day.
Itinerant Teacher
Teacher of the Deaf in a
Mainstream School
Educate deaf/hard of hearing
students in general education
classes with their peers.
Mainstream Deaf Education
Clarke School
Teacher of the Deaf in a School for
the Deaf
Educate deaf/hard of hearing
students in an all-deaf
environment. Ex: Maryland School
for the Deaf (MSD)
Maryland School for the Deaf /
MSD Website
Teacher of the Deaf in a Self-
Contained Classroom
Educate deaf/hard of hearing
students in a classroom of students
who share similar academic
requirements that offer structure,
routine, & appropriate
expectations; some students may
require a higher level of
specialization.
Self-Contained Classroom
Teacher for Deafblind Children Teach students with dual sensory
loss of hearing & vision.
Perkins School-Educator
Resources
Teaching Strategies
Teaching Deafblind Students
Graduate Degree Information
ASL Teacher
Teach American Sign Language to
high school and/or college
students.
ASLTA
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
There are many different types of teacher certification. Certification is offered by each state, and requirements
vary by state. There are certifications to teach high school, pre-school, special education, Deaf education, etc.
Certification is based on completion of specific courses and student teaching experiences. It is sometimes
possible to earn a certification by completing specific courses without the matching degree. There is also a
national certification for teaching Deaf children (see CED below). Teacher candidates must take the Praxis I
and II exams and apply for state certification. In some cases, educational facilities may employ graduates with
a Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Studies, indicating knowledge of ASL and Deaf culture, for teaching positions.
What does Towson
offer?
Towson’s Elementary Education programs offer all of the courses needed to
obtain certification to teach elementary school for hearing children. Anyone who
completes the ELED major (with or without the DFST major/minor) is eligible for
this certification. Students with knowledge of American Sign Language and Deaf
culture may be qualified to apply for jobs in Deaf education.
Towson does not offer CED certification (see below), or MD State Certification as
a Teacher of the Deaf. This certification requires certain courses (how to teach
reading, math, social studies, etc.) and a certain number of hours of student
teaching in a school for deaf children. Towson’s DFST program recommends that
students who want to become certified as Teachers of the Deaf earn a Master’s
Degree in Deaf Education from a program that offers this certification after
graduation from the DFST program.
What about certification
for teaching Deaf
Children?
The Council on Education of the Deaf (CED) is a national organization which
accredits teacher preparation programs in accordance with Council for
Exceptional Children (CED) core standards and its own standards designed
specifically for programs preparing teachers of Deaf and hard of hearing students.
Graduates of CED-accredited teacher preparation programs are eligible for CED
Individual Certification, which represents the highest national standard of quality
for teachers of Deaf and hard of hearing students. For more information on CED,
please go to http://councilondeafed.org.
Can a student who
graduates with ELED
major and DFST
minor or DFST major
obtain a job as a
Teacher of the Deaf?
The answer: it depends. It depends on the area where you want to work, on the
individual applicant’s signing skills and teaching experience, and who the
competition is and if other applicants have teacher certification (either state or
national) and appear to be more qualified. In the history of Towson’s DFST
program, many graduates have obtained employment at the Maryland School for
the Deaf or other local public schools in programs for Deaf students, and/or other
states as teachers and teacher’s aides working with Deaf children. A strong
background in ASL and Deaf culture are highly valued, and graduates compete
well with graduates of Deaf Education undergraduate programs. While there is no
guarantee that an employer will select an applicant without a teaching certificate,
Towson Deaf Studies alumni have an excellent history of obtaining employment
in education. Many alumni have obtained employment in Deaf Education and
obtained financial support from their employer to pay for all or part of the
Master’s Degree in Deaf education while they are employed.
CAREERS WITH A GRADUATE DEGREE
Audiologist
Identify hearing and balance
disorders, provide rehabilitative
services, assesse amplification
devices and instruct patients in
how to use and maintain the
devices. May also serve as a
consultant to government and
industry on issues concerning
environmental and noise-induced
hearing loss.
Audiology
Disability Support Specialist
(Post-Secondary)
The primary duty of a disability
specialist is to determine whether
an individual is eligible for
disability services. Disability
specialists normally evaluate a
person’s medical records,
psychological tests and other data
during this determination process.
They may also provide support and
assistance with problem solving in
many circumstances and provide
training to staff.
To become a disability specialist,
you must have at least a bachelor’s
degree in psychology, counseling
Towson University DSS Link
DSS Coordinators Duties &
Responsibilities
Job Description
or social work counseling. Some
employers will require a master’s
degree in counseling, psychology,
special education, social work
counseling or education, and at
least two years of experience
working with people with
disabilities
Health Care Provider
Provide services that contribute to
healing as well helping people
maintain good health. Services
may include providing medical
advice, diagnostic services, and
issuing referrals. Individuals
whose first language is American
Sign Language need health care
professionals who sign and have
knowledge of Deaf culture.
Health Care Provider
Mental Health Counselor
Provide ongoing psychological
support for clients suffering from
depression, substance abuse,
unhealthy relationships, and other
mental and psychological issues.
Individuals whose first language is
American Sign Language need
mental health care professionals
who can sign and have knowledge
of Deaf culture.
Mental Health Counselor
Neuropsychologist
Specialize in the structure and
function of the brain that relates to
specific psychological processes
and behaviors. Individuals whose
first language is American Sign
Language need professionals who
sign and have knowledge of Deaf
culture and disabilities.
Neuropsychologist
Occupational Therapist
Treat injured, recovering, ill, or
patients with disabilities through
the therapeutic use of everyday
activities. Help patients develop,
recover, and improve skills needed
for daily living and working.
Individuals whose first language is
OT
American Sign Language need
professionals who sign and have
knowledge of Deaf culture.
Psychologist
Work with people who have life
adjustment problems and those who
may also have emotional disorders
or mental illnesses. Provide
treatment for people of all ages, in
both family and group settings. It is
important to have psychologists who
can sign and have knowledge of
Deaf culture.
Psychologist
School/Guidance Counselor
Help students in the areas of
academic achievement,
personal/social development and
career development; help lead
them to become productive, well-
adjusted adults. Most schools for
deaf children have this position.
School Counselor
National Counselors of the Deaf
Assoc.
School Psychologist
Help children and youth succeed
academically, socially,
behaviorally, and emotionally.
Highly trained in both psychology
and education. Work with students
and their families along with other
school professionals. Most schools
for deaf children have this position.
School Psychologist
School Social Worker
Promote and support students’
academic and social success by
providing specialized services,
linking home, school, and the
community. Most schools for deaf
children have this position.
School Social Worker
Social Worker
Help individuals, groups, or
communities enhance or restore
their capacity for social function
and create societal conditions
favorable to that goal. Individuals
whose first language is American
Sign language need social workers
who sign and have knowledge of
Deaf culture.
Social Worker
Speech-Language Pathologist
Assess, diagnose, treat, and help
prevent speech, language,
cognitive-communication, voice,
swallowing, fluency, and other
related disorders.
SLP
Teacher of the Deaf
Educate deaf/hard of hearing
students in an all-deaf
environment. Ex: Maryland School
for the Deaf (MSD)
Deaf Education Network
Maryland School for Deaf
Conference of Educational
Administrators of Schools and
Programs for the Deaf
ALUMNI FEEDBACK
Graduates of Towson University’s Deaf Studies Program are prepared for careers in a variety of
professions. Feedback from a survey of Towson University Deaf Studies alumni is posted below.
“The Deaf Studies major/degree provided me with a strong foundation for when I entered my interpreter
training program.”
AR, NIC
Certified Freelance Interpreter
Class of 2002
“The program prepared me for future learning - I completed the Deaf Studies program in 2003 and
continued on to Gallaudet to earn my MA and Ph.D. in ASL Linguistics. I currently work as a VRS
interpreter and an interpreter educator. I also do research and workshops in the field of interpreting and
linguistics.”
RM, Ph.D.
RID Certified Interpreter
Class of 2003
“The Deaf Studies program helped me prepare for my current position by providing access to ASL…and by
teaching respect for the Deaf Community…because we were required to interact with the Deaf Community at
public events, I gained more confidence in my receptive skills and ability to communicate in ASL.”
MM, NIC
Sign Language Interpreter
Class of 2004
“I had a terrific ASL instructor who taught me how to be an ally. And I had a terrific advisor that never
stopped working for me.”
JAS, J.D.
Director of Public Policy and Advocacy
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Class of 2005
“The Deaf Studies program helped to prepare me for my current position by teaching me the skill of ASL,
and helping me develop understanding and knowledge of Deaf Culture and the ability to communicate with
Deaf /HH students. Without the support of Dr. Cooper and education from the Deaf Studies faculty, I would
not have had this opportunity. I love my job and could not be happier!”
JM, M.A.
Towson University - Disability Support Services
Class of 2007
“I currently teach ASL to hearing students in a public school…the Deaf Studies program helped me obtain
my position…and provided a lot of the background I needed to know about the Deaf Community and Deaf
Culture.”
LC
ASL Teacher
Class of 2008
“The program helped prepare me for my current career by teaching me the basics- the language and the
culture. It also gave me the opportunity to explore what potential careers I could pursue.”
MP – Social Worker
Maryland School for the Deaf
Class of 2009
“Towson really did help me with my current position because that is where I learned ASL. I had taken other
classes at a different college but when I got to Towson, I was able to understand the complexity of the
language and also felt more confident to carry on a conversation with deaf people.”
MS – Case Manager
People Encouraging People
Class of 2011
“I enjoy my job greatly!”
BG- Coordinator of the After School Program
Maryland School for the Deaf
Class of 2014