Implementation of allied health careers for the deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) offers allied health programs for the deaf under the auspices of the School of Health Related Professions at RIT. The educational goals of NTID are achieved through use of a unique curriculum process model. This model analyzes the need/justification of new curricular options, outlines developmental and design stages of the curriculum and ensures the continued viability of the curriculum through ongoing maintenance and evaluation. Extensive training programs for potential employeers and supervisors of deaf graduates are provided each year. Apprehension regarding difficulties in communicating with deaf persons is significantly reduced through these training experiences. Specialized support services such as interpreters, note-takers, tutors and educational specialists assist deaf students who cross-register into integrated deaf/hearing programs in the other colleges of RIT.