The Austin Community College District has been chosen to serve as a regional center for Gallaudet University, the world’s only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed for Deaf and hard of hearing students.
ACC and Gallaudet will celebrate the grand opening of the Gallaudet University Southwest Regional Center 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 12, at ACC’s Riverside Campus (1020 Grove Blvd.), where the center will be based. The public is invited to attend.
“This partnership will be an incredible resource for Deaf and hard of hearing people and all others connected to the Deaf community,” says Lyman Grant, dean of Arts and Humanities for ACC. “Because we already have such a vibrant Deaf culture at ACC, the addition of the Gallaudet University center just seemed to be a natural fit.”
The Gallaudet center at ACC will serve Texas, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Utah. Offerings will include courses, training workshops, and a variety of support services.
“Each of the Gallaudet regional centers creates a community-based presence that provides innovative programs and services to Deaf and hard of hearing people, their families, and the professionals that work with them in their local areas,” says Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz, president of Gallaudet University. “As the newest member of the network of Gallaudet Centers, the Southwest Regional Center joins with its five sister centers located throughout the country in furthering the university’s critical outreach efforts.”
Dr. Hurwitz will take part in the grand opening, along with ACC leaders and students. The program will be emceed by Russell Harvard, a Deaf actor who attended ACC, and will feature performances that incorporate American Sign Language.
“This event will be a wonderful way to introduce the Gallaudet University Southwest Regional Center at ACC,” says Arlene Gunderson, the center director. “We are committed to making this center an extraordinary asset to the people of Austin as well as across the state and region.”
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By Skyler January 7, 2011 - 2:19 pm
What a wonderful opportunity for the students attending ACC with the desire to go into interpretation!
By Susan January 9, 2011 - 2:43 pm
From Dr. Nathie
Yeah, Be there! I’ll be performing. You don’t wanna miss this once in a lifetime see your old professor perform.
:-/
Dr. Marbury
Pass this on…
By Julia January 10, 2011 - 10:43 am
Seems like a perfect fit. Congrats to everyone involved. Another possible program for ACC to consider might be a program for community and business leaders on awareness and accessibility- perhaps including one specifically on making services accessible to the deaf and the blind communities. Austin has a higher than usual concentration due to the schools here, but people may not understand how to be supportive, or even be aware of the need.
By Cassie January 11, 2011 - 3:13 pm
I’m so disappointed that I will be at work and will miss this! But how exciting for us to have this resource!
By Jenna January 12, 2011 - 5:55 pm
I would have loved to have made it but unfortunately I was away in San Antonio. Maybe Student Life could put something on for those interested in the program.
By Marshall Bennett January 13, 2011 - 2:14 pm
An awesome addition to an already thriving, world class interpreting program. Congrats!