$5M Grant Awarded to RIT/NTID Northeast Regional Center

From: NTID - Nov 27, 2006

Contact: Karen E. Black
(585) 475-6840
karen.black@rit.edu

$5M Grant Awarded to RIT/NTID Northeast Regional Center

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 27 – The Northeast Regional Center of Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf has been awarded a five-year, $5 million grant by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

Formerly the Northeast Technical Assistance Center (NETAC), RIT/NTID’s Northeast Regional Center focuses on secondary and postsecondary programs to explore and expand access and support options for deaf and hard-of-hearing students through the use of technology. This project builds on NETAC’s 10-year record for providing technical assistance to postsecondary programs in the region.

“Building on NETAC’s successful 10-year track record, this grant will now allow us to be even more effective by exploring technological advancements and professional development options for those we serve,” said T. Alan Hurwitz, CEO/Dean of NTID and Vice President of RIT. Hurwitz served as NETAC’s first director from 1996 to 1998 before becoming dean.

The Northeast Regional Center works collaboratively with organizations, including vocational rehabilitation agencies, transition specialists, community service agencies and independent living centers, to expand opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The center will serve in the northeast United States, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized as a leader in computing, engineering, imaging technology, fine and applied arts, and for providing unparalleled support services for students with hearing loss. RIT is home to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, where more than 1,100 students with hearing loss from around the world study, live, and socialize with 14,400 hearing students on RIT’s Rochester, N.Y., campus. U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked RIT among the nation’s leading comprehensive universities.

Web address: www.rit.edu/NTID