National Technical Institute for the Deaf

Three employers that have provided jobs to dozens of deaf and hard-of-hearing college students and graduates have been recognized by Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf with the NTID Center on Employment Outstanding Partner Award.

The American School for the Deaf, in West Hartford, Conn.; Crane Group of Companies, in Columbus, Ohio; and IBM, with headquarters in Armonk, N.Y., have sustained a record of hiring RIT/NTID deaf and hard-of-hearing co-op students and graduates.

The partnership between NTID and the American School for the Deaf began in 2006. Since then nine Arts & Imaging Studies students have completed co-ops at the school’s Printworks operation. Opportunities have been offered quarterly and the school provides room and board for the co-op students. Additionally, three graduates have been hired full time.

The Crane Group of Companies began hiring RIT/NTID co-op students in 2007. The company served as host to the NTID Center on Employment’s “Working Together: Deaf and Hearing People” workshop presented to Columbus, Ohio-area businesses.

Owner Jay Crane and his wife, Meredith, are long-time members of the NTID Foundation Board and supporters of RIT/NTID students. Through Meredith’s agency, Deaf Initiatives, a group of high school students from Ohio visits NTID each year.

IBM’s connection with NTID began in 1973. IBM’s president from 1973 to 1979, Jim Opal, was a member of NTID’s National Advisory Group. In the past five years, 14 NTID students received co-ops at various IBM locations, and four graduates have been hired full time.

In addition, IBM has participated in the NTID Job Fair every year since its inception in 2001 and has sent representatives to present to students at every RIT/NTID Explore Your Future summer camp for deaf and hard-of-hearing high school sophomores and juniors for more than 25 years. IBM has also funded four trips to bring students and faculty to IBM facilities in the lower Hudson Valley to learn about employment opportunities and the work environment.

“It’s a win-win situation,” said John Macko, director of NTID’s Center on Employment. “Our students gain real-world experience, and the employers get enthusiastic workers who bring their talent and diversity to the workplace.”

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