National Technical Institute for the Deaf

RIT provides one of the most accessible edu­cation communities in the world for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Here are just a few examples of the services that support your success.

RIT Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programs

Instruction with Access and Support Services: If you qualify to take courses in RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology, Business, Computing and Information Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences and Technology, Imaging Arts and Sciences, Liberal Arts or Science, RIT will provide the educational access services you need. You can choose from among sign language interpreting services, FM systems, notetaking, or real-time captioning services by contacting the Department of Access Services. Alternative services also will be provided as required. You also may request educational support services such as tutoring, personal and career counseling, and academic advising.

Interpreting

RIT has the largest staff of professional sign language interpreters of any college program in the world. Last year, RIT provided nearly 117,000 hours of interpreting services. In addition to classroom interpreters, you also may request interpreting services for non-academic activities such as athletic events, religious services, student government meetings, guest presentations and other student life activities. 

Notetaking

Trained student notetakers record information during class or laboratory lectures, discussions and multimedia presentations. Class notes then are placed on the Web, so you can easily access them. Last year, RIT provided more than 63,000 hours of notetaking services for students.

Real-time Captioning Services

This service uses C-Print® captionists to provide a thorough English text display of classroom lectures and discussion. Students read this text during class and receive access to review or print it as permanent class notes. 

Personal FM Systems

FM services are available through the Department of Communication Studies and Services (CSS) at NTID. You can borrow an FM system at any time. For more information, please contact CSS. To request an FM system, please stop by the Hearing Aid Shop, Johnson (LBJ) Hall 60-3130, or contact the CSS chairperson.

FM Systems Installed in Venues at RIT

FM systems are installed in over 30 venues at RIT, including general classrooms, laboratories, auditoriums and theaters. Signage outside the venue indicates that there is a system present and informs the user where the receivers can be obtained (e.g. box office, sound control booth, HelpDesk). Receivers are loaned free of charge; users are required to leave a driver's license or picture ID. A list of venues is available on the CSS webpage.

Tutoring/Advising  

Faculty tutors/advisers help answer your questions and clarify concepts and information taught in classes. They also provide academic advising, discussing programs and career goals with you and helping you plan your schedule, select classes and prepare for cooperative (co-op) work experiences.

Associate+Bachelor's Degree Transfer Programs

If you qualify for these programs, instructors will communicate directly with you using a variety of communication strategies, which may include sign language, spoken language, fingerspelling, printed/visual aids, Web-based instructional materials and individual tutoring in the courses in your program that are taught by faculty members at NTID, and you may request access services for the courses in your program that are taught by faculty members in RIT’s eight other colleges. You also may request educational support such as tutoring by experienced faculty tutors, career counseling and academic advising.

Career-Focused Associate-Level Programs

Direct Instruction: If you take courses at NTID, faculty members will facilitate communication in the classroom and will communicate directly with you using a variety of communication strategies, which may include sign language, spoken language (FM systems are available), fingerspelling, printed/visual aids, Web-based instructional materials and individual tutoring.

You will have access to a state-of-the-art learning center staffed by professional and peer tutors. An assigned counselor will work closely with you to help you plan your collegiate experience and provide you with personal, social, career and academic counseling services.

Master of Science Program in Secondary Education of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (MSSE)

 If you enroll in the MSSE program, faculty will communicate with you using sign language and speech in small, personalized classes.