City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams visited the college’s Deaf Studies Program, the only such program in New York City. Following on the heels of National American Sign Language (ASL) Day, the visit served to highlight CUNY’s effort to prepare students for careers in support of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

“It was awe-inspiring to visit LaGuardia and see, first-hand, the dedication of our students as they prepare for careers serving the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community,” said CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez. “Each of these students embodies the best of our University. Programs like Deaf Studies, which enable individuals to find professions that make a difference in people’s lives, offer a critical reminder of why CUNY remains a beacon of opportunity for so many.”

“Thank you to CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez for visiting our campus and for taking the time to participate in an American Sign Language class with our students,” said LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams. “Today’s visit underscores the importance of inclusive, student-centered learning and highlights the vital role that ASL plays in building accessible communities.

LaGuardia’s Deaf Studies program prepares students to serve in critical roles supporting the Deaf community, from education to social services and beyond. Programs like this are essential in today’s world, where communication access and cultural understanding are more important than ever.” During the visit, students worked their way through a family tree, learning the signs for different family members. ASL is a visual language that employs hand gestures, facial expressions and body movements. Distinct from spoken English, it has its own semantics and syntax and plays a prominent role in shaping Deaf culture. Reflecting this, LaGuardia’s Deaf Studies Program offers students an immersive experience, giving them familiarity with Deaf culture and the history of the Deaf community. Students who complete the program attain the technical skills and cultural competency to work as interpreters, educators, speech language pathologists, audiologists or social workers.

Besides the Deaf Studies Program, LaGuardia offers the Program for Deaf Adults, one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive programs for Deaf and Deaf-related postsecondary educational and support services. Across the system, CUNY offers ASL and deaf studies minors at the College of Staten Island and Queens College.

 

 

City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams visited the college’s Deaf Studies Program, the only such program in New York City.