Closure of MSU’s Deaf Education Program

A Deaf Pundit 2 months, 4 weeks ago on Wordpress

Also, please sign this petition.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/DeafEd_MSU/

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David Scholl 2 months, 4 weeks ago on Wordpress

Perhaps the Michigan Deaf Association could be convinced to pursue this issue. I am sure Scot Pott, Freida Morrison and others from that organization could be strong representatives for the Michigan Deaf Community. By requesting an explanation from MSU on behalf of MDA, they could determine the cause of the closure and perhaps work within the system to come to a better outcome. Also, the State’s Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing could possibly be convinced to research the closure. I will contact the Director there and ask for assistance. DP, as you are an elected representative within the MDA, would you ask their Board to act? ... See all content Hide content

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Mishkazena 2 months, 4 weeks ago on Wordpress

Something is very fishy. ASL is the third most popular ‘foreign’ languages in universities and this dept is going to terminate the ASL classes? Why close a program that offers two options while the other state university offers just one option?

I hope you’ll find out what’s really going on. The whole thing doesn’t make sense.

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A Deaf Pundit 3 months ago on Wordpress

Robert, yes. EMU has the right to offer different focuses in Deaf Education, but MI needs a program to balance EMU.

I don’t know the enrollment numbers at EMU’s program, or MSU’s… that’s something I’m investigating right now.

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Robert Alfred Hawkins 3 months ago on Wordpress

Again, that’s awful. Programs such as the one at Eastern Michigan University with a different emphasis exist within the very framework of choices. We can be biased but we can’t be naive. This is what makes us look bad. This is America. We can’t deny them choices. But, both are public universities. Therefore, “equality” must exist meaning both MSU and EMU’s must either remain in operation with equal consideration in terms such as resources afforded including funding. Do you know the enrollment at EMU’s program? If numbers are lopsided then that’s probably a factor misused in rationale behind the axing. ... See all content Hide content

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Tweets that mention Closure of MSU’s Deaf Education Program « The Deaf Edge -- Topsy.com 3 months ago on Wordpress

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jeannette Johnson, Deanna Summers. Deanna Summers said: RT @aimistar: Very sad! RT @deafpundit: Closure of MSU's Deaf Education Program: http://wp.me/p2Xrp-9J. #deaf #deafeducation #cutbacks [...]

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jean boutcher 3 months ago on Wordpress

I hope that what is happening to MSU will not become a trend towards more closures in American universities. DP, I must agree with you about the need of maybe a meeting between the Deaf Community and the MSU. You would be a very fine leader in doing that since you are a very articulate person. Keep us posted.

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kmayes 3 months ago on Wordpress

Huh oh. Keep us infomred, okay.

I hope that this won’t become a trend…

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Dave Scholl 3 months ago on Wordpress

Truly upsetting news! We are seeing some positive actions within the state of Michigan relating to certification and qualifications of interpreters (another topic entirely!), and a recent increase in the number of ASL and Interpreter Training Programs statewide. These positive actions do not seem to mesh with the closing of the Deaf Education program at one of the most prestigious universities in Michigan . Yes, mainstreamed deaf children will finally have certified interpreters in the school system, but the number of specialized teachers for the Deaf (both at Michigan School for the Deaf and in the public schools sector) will be drastically reduced. A decent step forward (certifed interpreters in schools) but a great step backward (less specialized Deaf educators). Please let us know if you do get more information as to why the program is closing! ... See all content Hide content

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