About Us

"I just wanted to take some time, and again, thank you for providing me with the opportunity to register for the Captioning Post-Production Quick-Class. I found the class to not only be interesting and full of information but dynamic in spirit. All the participants provided such a diverse perspective which is remarkable. I know I told you this before but it was a “safe place” to ask questions add comments and evoke amazing discussions. I learned so much and look forward to the next class. PEPNET2 has been a saving grace for me in that I utilize the site to sharpen and hone my own knowledge which enables me to provide students with motivating information and guidance. I am thrilled that the site now includes places where professors and staff can gain access to information about Accommodations and any other inquiries. “ Access: The Fundamentals” is a tool I have provided to all of the CUNY directors and I hope that they are able to find this as great a resource as I have. I use it as a guidance tool for professors here at CSI and I know this has been more effective than ever before. Students have been given access to information about “Getting a Job” and more importantly about knowing their rights as a student who is deaf or hard of hearing. I passed on the link for “Note-taking” to our note-taker coordinator and she utilizes this to train note-takers for students who have diverse needs. I think all students can benefit from this training. Universal design in the making!

That said, I would like to tell you my favorite part of PEPNET2. I absolutely love the “Live Chat” that was added to the site. There are times when I am in a rush or researching a subject for an approaching meeting. If I can’t find the answer quickly to my question, I use the “live chat.” Bambi, Cassie, Chris and Heather have been fantastic in assisting me. If they don’t have an answer, they immediately go on the hunt for one. They are such a wonderful resource. Thank you again for the class, the PEPNET2 website and the wealth of information that you provide…making my job a little easier and more enjoyable." Maryellen Smolka, Speech-to-text service provider and coordinator, College of Staten Island Staten Island, NY

"PEPNet has been a valuable resource to the University of Arizona for years. Using the listserv, we’ve been able to connect with other disability and higher education professionals and stay in up-to-date on emerging issues in deafness and education nationwide. We’ve even been able to locate and hire interpreters for study abroad assignments using the PEPNet network! Most recently, we were in need of information on amplification systems to support our city-wide book festival. The PEPNet team connected us with a colleague with extensive knowledge in assistive listening devices. Using the resources she provided, we found a perfect solution and were even able to serve as a source of information for another service provider who was seeking similar information. PEPNet is like having a team of colleagues in your pocket." Carol Funckes, Associate Director of Disability Resource Center, University of Arizona

"Pepnet 2 provided me with prompt, very helpful advising when I contacted them about an interpreter question. Their response was very thorough and informative. I recommend them to any higher education institution that needs information about best practices." Kimberly J. Schumann, Director of Enhancement Program - Disability Services, University of St. Thomas

"Pepnet 2 has been my "Go To" resource for many years while coordinating services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. This can feel very isolating and our responsibilities are so unique, but with pepnet 2, I never feel like I'm alone. I'm very thankful for the funding that supports pepnet 2, which supports the rest of us." Nancy Allen, Coordinator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Highline Community College

"WOW!!! I could not be more grateful. That was the most thorough and comprehensive answer I could have asked for! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love Pepnet2 and recommend it to all my clients/students!" Lisa Byrne, Vocational Evaluator/Consultant, The Eval Center - Westchester, IL