Larry Dutto, Dean of Academic Services
larryd@cos.edu
or 559-730-3808
Target population:
All students.
Goals:
To demonstrate that high quality instruction can be delivered by an
instructor who has a disability, and to provide a role model for
students with disabilities as well as for all other students.
Description:
When a talented, qualified, hearing impaired graphic arts instructor
applied to teach at College of the Sequoias, the Dean of Academic
Services realized it was an opportunity to provide a special
population role model on campus. The hearing impaired instructor was
hired to teach Graphic Arts 159, Introduction to Photoshop, as part
of the standard industrial technology curriculum. Two sign language
interpreters were hired to translate signed instructions to the
students, and students’ responses and questions to the instructor.
Staffing:
The instructor is assisted by the two interpreters.
Facilities, equipment, materials:
No unique facilities, equipment, or materials are required.
Costs, funding source:
The instructor is paid as an adjunct professor and the two sign
language interpreters are paid out of VTEA funding.
Outreach and marketing:
Initially there was an effort to reach out to deaf students on
campus to encourage them to enroll in the class. Several have
enrolled, but the majority of students are from the general student
population. The program has received community support and an
article on the instructor and his program was published in the local
newspaper.
Evidence of effectiveness:
The instructor has been well received and retention is high.
Suggestions for replication:
Hire qualified instructors from special population groups to serve
as role models whenever possible! They not only inspire students
from the same special population group, but also break down barriers
and stereotypes for all other individuals.