National Technical Institute for the Deaf

What is the relationship between RIT and NTID?
The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) is one of the eight colleges of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), in Rochester, New York.

What is the NTID Center on Employment (NCE)?
NCE is comprised of a group of experienced employment professionals who assist deaf and hard-of-hearing students and graduates with their job searches, and who partner with employers to help the recruiting and hiring process. We offer employers information, consultation, and training programs to help enhance communication and the integration of deaf employees in the workplace.

How many deaf or hard-of-hearing students are at RIT?
At RIT, approximately 1,300 deaf and hard-of-hearing students live, study, work and socialize with 15,000 hearing students. About 57% of these students are working towards associate degrees, and the other 43% are pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

In what fields are the students pursuing degrees?
RIT provides training in a variety of majors, and many of them are technically-oriented, such as business, computer technology, imaging and publishing, art, engineering and science.

What is a co-op?
A cooperative work experience, or co-op, is a required ten-week period in which students can apply what they have learned in the classroom to working at a real job. It allows them to gain work experience and a better understanding of the work environment and helps them to confirm their career choice. RIT is a nationally known leader in cooperative education and most degree programs require at least one co-op.

How does a co-op benefit an employer?
You, as the employer, gain temporary, cost-effective, qualified help, during which time you can assess a student’s work performance and decide whether to hire the student for permanent employment upon graduation.

How do I communicate with a deaf or hard-of-hearing person?
Different deaf or hard-of-hearing people use different modes of communication. Some people with hearing loss use speech and speechreading (including lip-reading) and some use sign language. However, some people prefer interactive writing by using paper and pencil, or by using pagers or computers. It is best to ask the deaf person what methods he or she prefers.

NCE staff offer an award-winning workshop entitled Working Together: Deaf and Hearing People that provides information about working with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the workplace.

How can I make a match between my staffing needs and NTID students and graduates?
Contact the NTID Center on Employment and start a dialogue about how we can work with you.

What does the ADA require of me as an employer?
In July 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) was signed into law, guaranteeing equal access for people with disabilities in public places, in employemnt, in transportation and in telecommunications. All employers with 15 or more employees must comply with the law.

Employers must not discriminate against qualified disabled individuals in any part of the employment process including application procedures, hiring, compensation, job training, advancement, employer,-sponsored activities, or discharge. And employers must provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities.

What do I need to know about accommodations?
Accommodations may include special telecommunications equipment, interpreters, e-mail, etc.  Many accommodations do not involve any additional expense, just a modification of the way you communicate. More information about different kinds of accommodations is available here.