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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2009 jobs for translators and interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing increased by 40,000, and that figure is expected to rise in the next few years. However, future employees will be required to have a bachelor's degree in a related field plus job training or years of experience within the community of deaf/hard of hearing.
In the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, undergraduates are able to obtain a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation with a concentration in services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or deaf rehab.
"We are the only deaf rehabilitation concentration in the undergraduate level in the country," said Shawn Saladin, assistant professor in rehabilitative services. "There are master levels… and it's important because these students don't just become rehab counselors. They take this knowledge and understanding and can-do attitude, and get important contacts within the community."
Saladin was born in California and diagnosed as hard of hearing, but that did not stop him from gaining a degree in rehabilitation services. He soon traveled around the world and ended up teaching at UT-Austin. In 2006, Saladin moved to UTPA where he teaches undergraduates and graduates in deaf rehab.
In the classroom, he uses hearing aids and an FM device to broadcast voices and noises.
"I use total communication strategies," Saladin explained. "I will use speech, voice and sign language. I can read aloud and hear students but sometimes, I'll need an interpreter if a student speaks too soft or is in the back of the classroom and I can't hear them."
He also adds he uses sign language in the classroom when necessary, such as with students learning the language or a student who only uses sign language.
Outside of the classroom, he oversees Valley Independent Confidence Activities Network, or Valley I-CAN, in which undergraduates or graduates can gain experience out in the field.
The Department of Rehabilitation has grown from 100 undergraduates and 35 master's students to 400 undergraduates, 100 master's and 15 doctoral students.
There are 8,000 deaf individuals in the Rio Grande Valley. Because not many agencies provide sign language services, Saladin saw the opportunity to help his students gain gain experience but provide aid for those in need of services.
"It's part of their practicum hours needed for graduation," Saladin said. "Basically we build up the individual's vocabulary and get them up to speed. There is GED tutoring and GED programs, but if you don't have someone who can sign it, then there really isn't GED tutoring and GED programs."
Among the undergraduates involved with Valley I-CAN is Victoria Garza-Rodriguez, who joined during her junior year under the recommendation of Saladin.
"As far as the individuals studying for their GED, it takes great patience," said Garza-Rodriguez, a senior in deaf rehab. "They get frustrated very quickly, but it is important for us to keep encouraging them. They have all the capabilities to pass and do great things in their future if we just help them, and they practice."
Garza-Rodriguez also hopes that teaching and interacting with individuals will help her become a better teacher.
"I have definitely learned how to formally run committees and the leadership it takes to do so," she explained. "Networking is important and informing more and more people about the deaf and not excluding them is very important. I hope to continue improving my sign language and I also want to learn more about the services that can be provided and then reach out more to the deaf community."
Other services that are readily available for individuals: the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, or DARS. This group helps deaf or hearing-impaired people gain more freedom to decide what is best for them and their families, whether it is getting a job or feeling less isolated. The numerous Workforce Solutions locations in the Valley also offer services.
Saladin says he is concerned about the possible loss of jobs due to the pending state budget cuts, but is set to help his students find work; he says there will still be a demand for what the department offers.
"I take great care in finding careers for my students and obtaining them," Saladin said. "As long as there are people with this particular disability, I think there's going to be services. The whole idea of GED for people who are deaf - traditionally underserved - can get a better career, a better job and help them get on their feet, obtain independence as oppose to being on public services.
"That's what rehab is…that's what it's all about, helping people with disabilities and being independent. I used to be a client. Now I'm Dr. Saladin."
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2009 jobs for translators and interpreters for the deaf and hard of hearing increased by 40,000, and that figure is expected to rise in the next few years. However, future employees will be required to have a bachelor's degree in a related field plus job training or years of experience within the community of deaf/hard of hearing.
In the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, undergraduates are able to obtain a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation with a concentration in services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or deaf rehab.
"We are the only deaf rehabilitation concentration in the undergraduate level in the country," said Shawn Saladin, assistant professor in rehabilitative services. "There are master levels… and it's important because these students don't just become rehab counselors. They take this knowledge and understanding and can-do attitude, and get important contacts within the community."
Saladin was born in California and diagnosed as hard of hearing, but that did not stop him from gaining a degree in rehabilitation services. He soon traveled around the world and ended up teaching at UT-Austin. In 2006, Saladin moved to UTPA where he teaches undergraduates and graduates in deaf rehab.
In the classroom, he uses hearing aids and an FM device to broadcast voices and noises.
"I use total communication strategies," Saladin explained. "I will use speech, voice and sign language. I can read aloud and hear students but sometimes, I'll need an interpreter if a student speaks too soft or is in the back of the classroom and I can't hear them."
He also adds he uses sign language in the classroom when necessary, such as with students learning the language or a student who only uses sign language.
Outside of the classroom, he oversees Valley Independent Confidence Activities Network, or Valley I-CAN, in which undergraduates or graduates can gain experience out in the field.
The Department of Rehabilitation has grown from 100 undergraduates and 35 master's students to 400 undergraduates, 100 master's and 15 doctoral students.
There are 8,000 deaf individuals in the Rio Grande Valley. Because not many agencies provide sign language services, Saladin saw the opportunity to help his students gain gain experience but provide aid for those in need of services.
"It's part of their practicum hours needed for graduation," Saladin said. "Basically we build up the individual's vocabulary and get them up to speed. There is GED tutoring and GED programs, but if you don't have someone who can sign it, then there really isn't GED tutoring and GED programs."
Among the undergraduates involved with Valley I-CAN is Victoria Garza-Rodriguez, who joined during her junior year under the recommendation of Saladin.
"As far as the individuals studying for their GED, it takes great patience," said Garza-Rodriguez, a senior in deaf rehab. "They get frustrated very quickly, but it is important for us to keep encouraging them. They have all the capabilities to pass and do great things in their future if we just help them, and they practice."
Garza-Rodriguez also hopes that teaching and interacting with individuals will help her become a better teacher.
"I have definitely learned how to formally run committees and the leadership it takes to do so," she explained. "Networking is important and informing more and more people about the deaf and not excluding them is very important. I hope to continue improving my sign language and I also want to learn more about the services that can be provided and then reach out more to the deaf community."
Other services that are readily available for individuals: the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, or DARS. This group helps deaf or hearing-impaired people gain more freedom to decide what is best for them and their families, whether it is getting a job or feeling less isolated. The numerous Workforce Solutions locations in the Valley also offer services.
Saladin says he is concerned about the possible loss of jobs due to the pending state budget cuts, but is set to help his students find work; he says there will still be a demand for what the department offers.
"I take great care in finding careers for my students and obtaining them," Saladin said. "As long as there are people with this particular disability, I think there's going to be services. The whole idea of GED for people who are deaf - traditionally underserved - can get a better career, a better job and help them get on their feet, obtain independence as oppose to being on public services.
"That's what rehab is…that's what it's all about, helping people with disabilities and being independent. I used to be a client. Now I'm Dr. Saladin."
