What is Deaf Initiative in IT (DIIT)?

The Deaf Initiative in Information Technology (DIIT) provides computer training workshops in sign language to deaf and hard-of-hearing adults currently working or preparing to work in the Information Technology field. DIIT is funded by the National Science Foundation, and is a project of the Information and Computing Studies Department (ICS) of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Over 280 deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals have attended over 40 different Deaf Initiative in Information Technology (DIIT) workshops over that last 5 years in areas such as networking, hardware, software and programming. DIIT workshops are unique because they are designed for and offered only to deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals and high school teachers of deaf students. We invite you to attend DIIT workshops.

Who Can Come?

Any deaf or hard-of-hearing adult now working, or preparing to work, in information technology is welcome to attend upon paying the registration fee.

All of our workshops are also open to high school teachers of deaf students, whether deaf, hard-of-hearing, or hearing. Since all workshops are offered directly in sign language, without interpreters, teachers who attend are expected to know sign language.

The workshops are a great opportunity for teachers of the deaf to learn in an environment with other deaf and hard-of-hearing Information Technology professionals.

What is included?

When you attend a DIIT workshop, you will receive:

• Instruction by an NTID Applied Computer Technology Department faculty member, all of whom sign for themselves; no interpreters are required.
• Workshop materials.
• Lunch and refreshments during breaks.

Attendees pay for the workshop, travel, accommodations, and breakfasts and dinners. There are many hotels near the RIT campus.

Notes: Conditions beyond our control may cause us to make changes in the workshops or cancel under-subscribed workshops.

How are the workshops taught?

Instruction will consist of student-paced classroom presentation, demonstration, and significant hands-on laboratory practice. Classes run daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM with an hour for lunch.

How do I register?

Register for workshops by completing the Registration Form and sending payment to the address indicated.

If you must cancel your registration, and you notify us at least two weeks before the starting date of the workshop, you will receive a 100% refund. If you cancel after that date, you will receive an 80% refund.

Please verify your registration via e-mail at diit@rit.edu before making non-refundable airline reservations.

Who sponsors the project?

You can obtain additional information about the sponsors of the project by clicking on the following links to their web sites.

National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

National Science Foundation (NSF). You can click below for specific information at the NSF site about the two DIIT projects funded by the NSF:

1. Deaf Initiative in Information Technology (DIIT) initial project, #0070982, July 1, 2000 through August 31, 2003.
2. Deaf Initiative in Information Technology II (DIIT II) second project, #0302790, July 1, 2003 through June 30, 2006.

Who advises the project?

The Deaf Initiative in Information Technology receives the advice of a National Visiting Committee (NVC) composed of the following individuals:

Philip W. Bravin, Chair of the NVC, Chief Marketing Officer
Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD)

Robert Dwier, Computer Specialist
United States Geological Survey (USGS), Department of the Interior

Joyce Currie Little, Professor and Chairperson
Department of Computer & Information Sciences

Diana Gant, Lead Program Director, Division of Undergraduate Education, National Science Foundation

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation, Advanced Technology Education program, under grant award numbers #0070982 (2000-2003) and #0302790 (2003-2006). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.