People who are Low Functioning and Deaf:
A Challenge for Education and Rehabilitation:
2009-2011 Trainings
Young adults who are deaf and also described as "low functioning" face a variety of issues when transitioning from secondary to postsecondary education, training, and related services. To help professionals develop a better understanding of how to address these issues, PEPNet offers a series of webcasts on related topics that are archived after each broadcast.
Webcast 1: An Ongoing Challenge to our Systems: Students and Adults Identified as Low Functioning and Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Presenter: Marguerite (Peg) Harmon, M.S.
Broadcast date: December 8, 2009
Webcast 2: Challenges and Opportunities for Success in Education and Employment for Individuals who are LFD or At-Risk
Presenter: Tammy Adams & Janis Friend
Broadcast date: March 2, 2010
Webcast 3a: Using functional communication assessment to develop meaningful interventions with individuals who are deaf and lower functioning: Part I
Presenter: Greg Long, Ph.D.
Broadcast date: November 16, 2010
Webcast 3b: Using functional communication assessment to develop meaningful interventions with individuals who are deaf and lower functioning: Part II
Presenter: Greg Long, Ph.D.
Broadcast date: November 30, 2010
Downloadable Files:
- Using Functional Communication Assessment to Develop Meaningful Interventions with Individuals Who Are Deaf and Lower Functioning
- Communication Assessment Paradigm
- PowerPoint file
- Assessing Workplace Communication Skills with Traditionally Underserved Persons Who Are Deaf
Webcast 4: Reflections on Past, Present, and Future Challenges in Educating and Rehabilitating 'At-Risk' Individuals who are Deaf and Deaf-Blind
Presenter: Cecil Flex Bradley, PhD, CRC, CPM
Broadcast date: August 10, 2011
Description: This presentation provides a general overview on how different hearing loss populations, including Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and the Deaf-Blind, adapt and respond to life challenges in our society. The audience will be introduced to different educational and rehabilitation practices, studies, programs, and/or publications since the early 1960's. Current challenges in serving this population, primarily those who are considered to be "at-risk" or have multiple daily life issues that affect their ability to sustain independence, seek meaningful careers, or maintain stability in their jobs, will be discussed. Further, the presenter will address how we as parents, educators, rehabilitation service providers, and advocates can ensure that this population continues to be served effectively in spite of fewer resources and opportunities as a result of loss of funds at federal and state levels.
Downloadable Files:
Webcast 5: What Do Employers Want: Soft Skills and Your Sunday's Best
Broadcast date: September 22, 2011 2:00 - 4:00 EST
Description: This presenter will, via a series of training modules, address a variety of issues which can either prevent or ensure employment success. Often times, individuals who may be described as being deaf and low functioning (LFD) or deaf and at risk face many obstacles to gaining and maintaining employment. However, history has proven that with enough time and support, these same individuals can be job ready and able to achieve positive employment experiences once they have gained an understanding of what is expected in an employment setting. Strategies for teaching individuals who are "LFD" the skills and knowledge necessary for obtaining employment will be shared with the audience.
Presenter: Terrye Fish, MS, CRC, LPC-I
L'Tanya Fish, nicknamed Terrye at a very young age, has worked at Winston - Salem State University as an adjunct Professor within the Master of Science Rehabilitation Counseling program for two years. She also works as a part-time Outpatient Therapist with hearing children and adults with mental illness with Omega Independent Living Services. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Licensed Practicing Counselor Associate (LPCA). She continues to serve on numerous state and national boards to advocate for rehabilitation services for consumers with hearing loss, funding for the public rehabilitation program, and education of graduate students in the field of rehabilitation counseling and deafness.
In 2008, she retired from the State of North Carolina with 30 years of services. While employed with the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, she held different positions: State Coordinator for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for 11 years, Education Training Specialist for 9 years, and Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for 7 years. She also worked as a Teacher for the Deaf at Central North Carolina School for the Deaf in Greensboro, NC for three years.
Ms. Fish received her Master's degree from Gallaudet University in Rehabilitation Counseling and Deafness in 1981. She also received her Bachelor's degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Early Childhood Deaf Education in 1976.
Ms. Fish enjoys working part-time at the RBC Center, Home of the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh and traveling. One of her goals is to travel to all 50 states in America.
Target Audience:
- Educators,
- Adult service providers,
- Individuals working in community agencies and,
- Rehabilitation professionals.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, the viewer will:
- Understand the distinctions between work related soft and hard skills.
- Acquire a knowledge of a variety of methods used in teaching soft skills.
- Learn five specific techniques used to acquire soft skills.
Accessibility: Sign language interpreters and captioning are provided as part of this presentation.
Downloadable Files: