American Sign Language & English

Austin Community College (ACC) has more Deaf and Hard of Hearing students than almost any other community college in the country. Our Deaf community at ACC includes more than 200 students and continues to grow, so opportunities to interact with other Deaf students are plentiful both in and out of the classroom. In our high-tech visual classroom, created specifically for students who are Deaf, ACC offers interpreter-free courses taught in American Sign Language (ASL) in key subjects including English, Math, and Transition to College Success. Tutoring support and study groups designed for Deaf students are also available at ACC. A true community, ACC's Deaf students have two social organizations-- the Deaf Students Association (DSA) and ASL Friends United-- which foster friendship, support, and shared learning opportunities. Dr. Patti Singleton, a Deaf Counselor at ACC Riverside Campus, understands the unique challenges Deaf college students face. Dr. Singleton works directly with Deaf and hearing students, offering support with registration and transfers, as well as with career and personal issues.

 

ESOL - English Made Easier

 

ACC is one of very few colleges nationwide that offers classes for Deaf students in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages.) These classes feature direct, teacher-to-student interaction via ASL. ESOL classrooms are outfitted with the latest technology to provide total visual access and improve the learning experience.

 

ASL Grammar Series

 

ACC offers ESOL 0321 - High Beginning ASL Grammar for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, which is the entry-level ASL Grammar course that introduces the four-part ASL Grammar series. While this course is not required, students take this class to improve their fluency in both ASL and English. Research has shown that in order to succeed in a second language (English), students need first language knowledge (ASL). This non-traditional class allows students to view published ASL works as well as creative informative and persuasive ASL videos that analyze ASL Grammar and review Deaf culture/history. This course is offered at Riverside campus and is taught by a Deaf instructor.

 

Developmental Math

 

Math is tough sometimes. ACC simplifies things by offering a number of math classes in ASL. Basic Math Skills (MATD 0330) is the first of three developmental algebra courses that ease students toward the fundamental math requirements for most college majors. Classes are offered in the fall and spring semesters. The teacher is fluent in ASL, thus eliminating the need for an interpreter.

 

Human Development - Study Skills

 

Transition to College Success (HUDE 0110) is a freshman orientation class taught by a Deaf professor. Students learn important study skills in time management and overcoming test anxiety. They also complete career and personality assessments, and learn about campus/community resources. ACC is committed to helping their students succeed.

 

GED

 

ACC also offers free GED (General Education Development) courses for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. For more information, visit austincc.edu/abe/gedoradeaf.php or contact Kathy Dowdy at kdowdy@austincc.edu or 512-223-7054.

 

Deaf Services Certificate

 

By earning this certificate, students gain skills that will allow them to apply for entry-level jobs at schools and facilities that provide services for Deaf people, such as Texas School for the Deaf, mainstream schools, and group homes. Students are trained for positions like teacher aide, resident hall assistant, recreation aide, and rehabilitation technician.

 

Tutoring in ASL

 

The Riverside Learning Lab & Computer Center is staffed with tutors who are fluent in ASL to assist Deaf students in any academic subject. Students can complete computer tutorials and get face-to-face assistance on anything technical from software programs to webcams and more.

 

For more information about ACC's Learning Labs & Computer Centers, including schedules, visit: austincc.edu/tutor or contact Sean Loras, Accommodations Assistant at sloras@austincc.edu or 512-410-1507 (VP) or 512-223-6034 (voice).

 

Supplemental Instruction

 

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is all about cooperation. In SI, a Deaf student who has successfully passed a course attends that class again and holds outside study sessions to help other students understand concepts and prepare for tests. ACC is currently using SI in several Developmental Math and ESOL courses.

 

Office for Students with Disabilities

 

Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) can be a student's secret weapon for academic success. Each ACC campus offers support for students with documented disabilities. Some sample OSD services include interpreters, note takers, registration assistance, and testing with accommodations. Students are urged to apply for accommodations at least three weeks before the first day of classes with the OSD at the primary campus they expect to attend. Each semester, students need to meet with an OSD coordinator at each campus they attend to discuss accommodation needs. For more information, see austincc.edu/support/osd.

 

Contact:

 

Erika Domatti
Associate Professor, Deaf ESOL
Riverside Campus
edomatti@austincc.edu
512-223-6316 (VP/Voice)

Dr. Patti Singleton
Counselor
Riverside Campus
drpatti@austincc.edu
512-223-6262 (VP/voice)

 

http://www.austincc.edu/deslac/esoldeaf.php