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The Associate of Applied Science degree in American Sign Language (ASL): Deaf Support Specialist is for individuals seeking employment as an advocate, job coach, mentor and/or paraprofessional to Deaf consumers. Graduates will be knowledgeable of linguistic and cultural aspects pertinent to the Deaf community and will have proficiency in expression and comprehension of American Sign Language. Graduates are encouraged to seek further academic studies.

What will I learn?

DSS students will acquire an awareness and understanding of:

ASL
Deaf culture
Role of a DSS in the community and educational settings
Advocacy, job coaching and mentoring

What can I do with this course of study?

The demand for interpreters allows for a variety of job opportunities, either part-time or full-time. There are a number of settings for an ASL interpreter to find employment such as educational, community, video relay, medical, legal, mental health/psychiatric, religious and performing arts. An interpreter also has the opportunity to be self-employed and work for various companies and/or government agencies. The pay rate for an ASL interpreter will depend on certification level, degrees held, location (urban vs. rural) and years of experience.

What can deaf support specialists do with their degree?

A DSS function as paraprofessionals within the work place, and can also work in various vocational rehabilitation roles such as job coaches and regional specialists. They are often involved working with people who face additional challenges in conjunction with their Deafness.

What is special about our program?

Program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education
Program rated Exemplary by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Eleven full time faculty
More than 180 declared majors
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services part of the department
Only program in Texas requiring students to pass the State certification Exam as a graduation requirement

Careers:

• Interpreter
• Deaf Support Specialist