RIT on TV News: NTID Vets Outreach

R News reports on a new program at RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf intended to provide educational opportunities to veterans of the U.S. military who have experienced hearing loss.

Our men and women doing battle in Iraq and Afghanistan are coming home with all kinds of problems. As R News Diana Palotas tells us, a local college is helping those returning with the "quiet" disability.

The sounds of war, bombs and blasts, ringing gunfire - our military in Iraq and Afghanistan have to endure them everyday. Hearing damage is the most common disability for these veterans, and for many, that damage is permanent.

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT is reaching out to those troops with hearing loss.

We believe that we can make a very important contribution to the military veterans," says Alan Hurwitz, NTID President. He says our servicemen and women have already sacrificed so much for our country. They shouldn't have to sacrifice their dreams.

Hurwitz adds, "Some of our counselors have plenty of experience working with people who lose their hearing later on in life."

The access services provided to college students with hearing loss are unparalleled at RIT/NTID. There are more than 50 classroom captionists and 120 sign language interpreters on campus.

RIT is now a yellow ribbon college offering discounted tuition to veterans. Right now 300 students here are receiving veterans benefits.

This initiative at NTID is oh my god, is it huge, says Gene Clark. He is coordinator of veteran's benefits. He says this effort is all about building trust. Allowing people to say wait a second, how can I lead a fruitful and productive life. And prepare to compete in a field that is of my choosing."

The first hearing impaired veterans interested in this NTID program may attend an orientation program this summer and begin classes in the fall, far away from the sounds of war. Diana Palotas, R News.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• RIT
• National
• Technical
• Institute
• for
• the
• Deaf

[fumetti]

Diana Palotas is a no talent.