The NCIEC Deaf Self-Advocacy Training initiative promulgates an “…of, by and for the Deaf, hard of hearing and/or Deaf-blind” philosophy in all aspects of its programming. The DSAT curriculum was developed by individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Deaf-Blind and designed as a peer-led training.
Effective advocacy for interpreting services has been a long-time concern of Deaf Community leaders. With RSA funding support from 2005-2010, the Consortium developed a specialized curriculum devoted to teaching deaf individuals to self-advocate for effective interpreting services. The content of the curriculum includes concepts of self-esteem and self-determination, ethics of working with interpreters, preparing for self-advocacy, and how to effectively tap resources.
The curriculum was first unveiled in 2010. Thirty master trainers were prepared to teach from the curriculum. They, in turn, provided training to more than 600 deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind consumers. The evaluation of these trainings will inform refinement of the curriculum during the 2010-2015 grant cycle. Consumer education activities continue through the Consortium Regional Centers.
The curriculum is described in these webpages. For more information regarding the Consortium’s national initiative, please contact Pauline Annarino. For more information regarding deaf consumer trainings in your area, please contact your Consortium Regional Interpreter Education Center.
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