Upcoming Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Signing Cohort

by | May 24, 2024 | FEATURED STORIES

Do you know a colleague in the professional healing field who is Deaf or hard of hearing? Did you know that many Deaf and hard of hearing therapy professionals have difficulty accessing training post-licensure? Most continuing education trainings have insufficient language and communication access; few offer direct access or interpretation into American Sign Language (ASL). Additionally, most, if not all, post-graduate professional trainings are for the hearing population with limited understanding of particular needs of Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) therapists and clients. 

SEI is beginning a new cohort in Silver Spring, Maryland this coming November 2024 for Deaf, hard of hearing, and ASL fluent professionals who are supporting the D/deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and Deaf-Disabled community. Having professional training with dedicated ASL interpretation and support within a predominantly signing cohort offers DHH professionals the opportunity to acquire skills, share knowledge, and build a stronger network of support for the communities they serve.

REGISTRATION LINK 

Why is this important?

Research indicates that DHH people report traumatic experiences at nearly twofold higher rates than hearing people, including experiences of child abuse, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and crime victimization (Anderson and Leigh 2011; Francavillo 2009; Harrell 2011; Pollard et al. 2014). Increased vulnerability may stem from early language deprivation, insufficient communication with family, conflicting educational and medical guidance, low self-esteem, and social isolation (Ridgeway 1993). There are significant barriers to obtaining accessible care, potentially limiting Deaf individuals’ ability to leave abusive relationships or other unsafe situations (Nosek et al. 2001). Additionally, there is a dearth of healthcare providers with training and skill in language access and cultural responsiveness to work with DHH people, often making it difficult for DHH trauma survivors to find care.

FURTHER COHORT INFORMATION & ASSISTING TEAM FORMATION

The DHH Cohort is scheduled to take place in person for three modules, and online for three modules. The dates are as follows:

  • 1: Nov 8 – 11, 2024 (In person in DC/MD/VA area)
  • BEG 2: Jan 24 – 27, 2025 (In person in DC/MD/VA area)
  • BEG 3: Apr 25 – 28, 2025 (Online)
  • INT 1: Aug 1- 4, 2025 (Online)
  • INT 2: Nov 7 – 10, 2025 (In person in DC/MD/VA area)
  • INT 3: Jan 23 – 26, 2026 (Online)

ASSISTING TEAM DEVELOPMENT AND INTERPRETER POOL

Assembly of the DHH Cohort assisting team is now underway. If you are available for the currently scheduled dates and would like to be considered for the assisting team for this cohort, please let us know by completing the Assistant Application form or sharing this with other assistants who may be interested: ASSISTANT APPLICATION FORM

Additionally, we welcome expressions of interest from potential American Sign Language interpreters who may be able to interpret for all modules. If this is you or someone you know, please complete the INTERPRETER INTEREST FORM

If you have questions, please contact Barbara Glenfield, Coordinator; Anne Phillips, Lead Assistant; or Cara Miller, Lead Assistant and Deaf Community Liaison.