Ohlone Celebrates 40 Years of Deaf Studies

The following is a press release issued by Ohlone Community College:

Fremont — ­ For 40 years, the Language and Culture Center for Deaf Studies at Ohlone College has opened the doors to educational and occupational opportunities for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Inspired by the leadership of George Attletweed and other visionary educators, the Deaf Studies Division at Ohlone College allowed for Deaf students in the area to continue their education at an institution for higher learning.

Since its founding in 1972, the Deaf Studies Division has continued to grow and has expanded to include instruction in ASL and an Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP).

The Deaf Studies Division was established in 1972 when the college reached out to 30 Deaf and Hard of Hearing students to join the Ohlone College learning community.

Since then, the division has grown to serve more than 200 Deaf and Hard of Hearing students each year and 420 ASL and IPP students. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive programs in the West, with award winning faculty, and a new state-of-the-art Language Lab.

The division has a national and international reputation for excellence in education with their collaboration with Japan (JASS and the Nippon Foundation), Sweden, and visitors from all over the world. All faculty and staff are fluent in American Sign Language, trained in the areas of Deaf Education and/or Rehabilitation Counseling, and are sensitive to the diverse cultural and educational background of the students.

Everyone is invited to celebrate the 40 years of commitment to education with the Deaf Studies Division at Ohlone College.

For more information, please contact Nora Chopelas at nchopelas@ohlone.edu, Voice (510) 659-6269, Video Phone (510) 344-5700, or visit the event website at www.ohlone.edu/deafstudies.

An open house will be held on April 19 starting at 1:30 p.m. at Ohlone College's main campus, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont.