ith Veterans Day approaching, we should recognize the generations of Americans who have honored us with their dignified service. When called upon, men and women from our country have answered the nation’s call to arms. We can estimate that more than 1.4 million active duty members are serving across the globe with an additional 850,000 serving in the U.S. Reserve Forces.

When these soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard members return from service, they will find support through agencies such as the Veterans Outreach Center, the VA’s Vet Center and the Academy for Veterans’ Success at Monroe Community College. To help them find suitable employment, veterans may work with area colleges to use the GI Bill or the new Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Across New York state, both private and public colleges and universities have joined with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to help eligible veterans enroll in the “Yellow Ribbon” program. Under this partnership, colleges and the VA have agreed to completely cover the cost of a university education. Currently in New York state, 74 independent (private, nonprofit) colleges and universities have signed on to the Yellow Ribbon GI Bill Education Enhancement Program, setting a record for cooperation.

Not since World War II have veterans had such wonderful support and educational choices. With the Post 9/11 GI Bill paying 100 percent of tuition and fees, up to $1,000 a year for books and nearly $1,200 monthly to help with local living expenses, Rochester-area veterans can make a choice about where they wish to earn their college degree. Educational reputation and value drive their decision rather than affordability.

Moreover, colleges pledge Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans with additional academic support services specific to their needs.

Additionally, unique programs are being designed and offered, like the Veterans with Hearing Loss Program at Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Institute for the Deaf. Hearing loss is the disability most frequently experienced by veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, so NTID has streamlined this unique program to support these veterans.

So as we reflect on the service of our grandfathers, fathers, sons and daughters this Veterans Day, please take time to thank a veteran and remember the sacrifice that he or she has made. Please extend a hand to welcome them back, take time to help them in their transition and remember to celebrate this Veterans Day in their honor.

Clark is director of veteran enrollment services at Rochester Institute of Technology.

by Michelle Cometa, Aug. 28, 2009 —

Rochester Institute of Technology was recently named to the 2010 Military Friendly Schools List, a list that honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the United States that recruit students with military experience and provide academic programs and integral support systems for veterans.

“The fact that RIT has been named to this list of military friendly schools is a confirmation to all of America that these young soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are very important to us,” says Eugene Clark, director of veteran enrollment services in the RIT enrollment management and career services division. “They deserve the opportunity to advance their civilian educations, as their classmates did following high school.”

RIT was recognized for its participation as a Yellow Ribbon college and its long history of support for veterans as well as undergraduates who serve in the college’s Air Force and Army ROTC programs. More than 300 RIT students are currently receiving veterans’ benefits, one of the highest numbers in the Rochester area. Support services at RIT include benefit counseling, assistance with admission, credit transfer help, support with student financial aid, enrollment certification, tutorial support and problem resolution advocacy.

The university was also recognized for its newest program, the Military Veterans with Hearing Loss Project at RIT/NTID, established in January 2009. Veterans returning from service who experience hearing loss can earn degrees at the university and receive access support from NTID under the project.

“As a veteran with service connected hearing loss myself, as well as an RIT graduate, I believe I have credible insight to many of the personal and educational challenges facing vets with hearing loss,” says Allen Ford, project coordinator of the Veterans with Hearing Loss Project and assistant professor, NTID business studies department.

“I can attest that the Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations are an integral component of RIT’s rich educational experience, both in the classroom and out. No other institution in the nation can touch the quality and level of audiological support services that range from cochlear implant mapping to complete hearing aid services,” Ford says.

In preparation for veterans with hearing loss entering RIT, the NTID team is working directly with organizations such as the Veterans Administration, military audiologists, National Guard Education Service offices and the local Veterans Outreach Center, Ford explained.

The Military Friendly Schools List includes information compiled from more than 7,000 schools nationwide.

“Veterans are attracted to RIT because of our career oriented portfolio, and the value of an RIT degree. Our international reputation for academic excellence, co-op and student support services are just a few of the things students tell us are important to them, when selecting a university,” Clark added.

More information about the RIT and NTID veterans programs can be found at: www.rit.edu/emcs/ptgrad/veterans.php3

Rochester, N.Y. – A college specializing in technical education for students with hearing loss is reaching out to U.S. troops who have suffered significant hearing loss as a result of exposure to gunfire and explosions during their military service.

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a college of Rochester Institute of Technology, has established the Military Veterans with Hearing Loss Project at RIT/NTID and plans to admit recent veterans with hearing loss. Those veterans can earn bachelor or graduate-level degrees at RIT with access services – such as real-time captioning and notetaking in the classroom – from NTID.

A Web site for the initiative has been created to offer prospective students more information about the college and details the services available: http://www.rit.edu/ntid/veterans.

Nearly 1,300 deaf and hard-of-hearing students attend NTID. They receive access services as needed in classrooms throughout the RIT campus, including live captioning and notetaking services as well as sign language interpreting.

“It makes sense for us to welcome the men and women serving our country who could benefit from the education and access services we offer,” says NTID President Alan Hurwitz. “Our talented faculty and staff have experience helping those who have suffered a sudden hearing loss. RIT/NTID would be a perfect option for veterans seeking to continue their educations. We are happy to help serve the men and women who have already sacrificed so much to serve our country.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs reports hearing damage is the most common disability for veterans. More than 46,700 veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom have reported hearing loss. That damage is permanent for many veterans.

Exposure to more than 85 decibels continuously or 140 decibels for any length of time can damage hearing. A rifle can produce 160 decibels of sound. On average, the men and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq have served longer time in combat than any other U.S. military conflict.

NTID is a federally-funded college with more than 40 years of experience providing services to students with a wide range of hearing loss, including students whose loss may be sudden or progressive. NTID provides comprehensive, unmatched services for those using hearing aids and for cochlear implant users. There are 250 students at RIT/NTID this year with cochlear implants.

The access services provided to college students with hearing loss are unparalleled at RIT/NTID. More than 50 classroom captionists provide real-time captioning to students on campus. There are also more than 120 sign language interpreters employed at the college for those students who benefit from interpreting.

Congressional staff members and veterans groups are excited about this opportunity for returning veterans.

• “Hats off to RIT and NTID for offering this great program to the brave men and women who have served our country,” says New York Sen. Chuck Schumer. “There are many veterans who will benefit from the world-class services available for deaf and hard-of-hearing students at NTID and RIT.”
• “Our veterans deserve the full support of their community and I am proud to help RIT announce its plan to welcome returning veterans with hearing loss,” says Rep. Eric Massa, (D-Corning), a retired Navy commander whose district includes RIT. “Programs that address the needs of our returning veterans such as this deserve support from their representatives in Washington, and I look forward to helping strengthen this effort.”
• “Our brave men and women in uniform have sacrificed much and deserve our gratitude and support when they return home,” said Rep. Louise Slaughter, (D-Fairport). “I am proud to support RIT/NTID’s initiative and applaud their commitment to ensuring that our service members with hearing loss can attend school and successfully begin the next chapter of their lives.”
• “RIT is to be commended for making NTID’s first-rate program available to the brave men and women who were reunited with their loved ones, but not without making a lasting sacrifice,” said Rep. Chris Lee (R-Clarence). “This program provides vital leadership at a critical juncture in the fight to improve care for our wounded warriors.”
• “The dedicated men and women of our armed services make tremendous sacrifices abroad,” says Rep. Dan Maffei (D-DeWitt). “Some unfortunately sustain injuries that, even after they return home, have permanently changed their lives. I am so pleased that RIT/NTID is making the effort to include returning service men and women.”
• Jim McDonough, Director of the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs, says: “I applaud the RIT/NTID initiative to tailor its educational programs so that our returning Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans with hearing loss can attend college ‘barrier free.’ We look forward to working with the school’s leaders to help serve these veterans as they continue their education and move from soldier to student.”

The first veterans may attend an orientation program this summer and begin classes this fall. As many as 10 veterans could be admitted each year, growing up to 50 veterans over time. The same standard academic requirements for admission to RIT/NTID would be applied to veterans.

RIT recently announced it will become a “Yellow Ribbon” college, offering significant discounted tuition for recent veterans pursuing their educations at RIT. More than 300 RIT students are currently receiving veterans’ benefits. The amount of the discount depends on their length of service.

NTID was established by Congress in 1965 to offer deaf and hard-of-hearing students a technical college education. Students from every state attend RIT/NTID. Students live, study and socialize with more than 15,000 hearing students on the RIT campus. For more information, visit the NTID website.

IT Army ROTC Battalion Selected for Outstanding ROTC Unit Award

‘Tiger’ Battalion recognized for exceptional training performance and leadership skills

by Michelle Cometa

Of the 272 colleges with Army Reserve Officer Training Corps programs, Rochester Institute of Technology’s Tiger Battalion was more than an “Army of One.” The RIT Battalion was awarded the Eastern Region’s Outstanding ROTC Unit Award, given annually by the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America.

The prestigious award is given to the Army ROTC unit for overall military training, academic achievement, retaining and graduating 90 percent or better of the cadets enrolled in its campus program, achieving high ratings in command inspections, and leading all battalions at the premier ROTC event, the Leader Development Assessment Course held at Fort Lewis, Wash.

Seventy-one percent of the RIT cadets attending the grueling, 32-day course last summer achieved an overall “excellent” rating in their evaluated leadership roles, an achievement which topped all other battalions in the Eastern Region.

“LDAC is like a five-week final exam for the cadets,” says Maj. Donald Powell, training officer for the RIT battalion. “There’s no secret to it, this is a lot of hard work on their part.” Cadets are measured on fitness, land navigation, and exercises for garrison and tactical situations. This is the first time the RIT Army ROTC group has won the Outstanding ROTC Unit award.

“The training that our cadets receive here at RIT prepares them well for the leadership course,” says Lt. Col. Lynn Lubiak, RIT Army ROTC Battalion Commander and professor of military science. “We make sure they are set up for success; that they strive to exceed the standards; and ensure they are able to adapt to working with other cadets from across the nation. Our faculty are passionate about their jobs and have a great impact on the quality of training. Not only do we want our cadets to succeed at the event, we want to do our best to prepare them to be competent leaders and exemplary Army Officers.”

by Greg Livadas

Rochester Institute of Technology plans to make it easier for veterans to continue their educations by offering significant tuition support as a designated “Yellow Ribbon” college.

The federal designation allows veterans who have served since Sept. 11, 2001 to receive additional financial assistance for tuition, as well as existing veterans’ benefits for housing and textbooks. The amount of assistance will depend on their length of service, but eligible veterans applying to RIT would have most of their tuition provided by the Veterans Administration, the college and the state.

“There is really no higher cause one can have than a commitment to serve one’s country,” said Jim Miller, RIT’s senior vice president for Enrollment Management & Career Services. “Given RIT’s history and the kinds of curricula we offer, it is only fitting that we take this important initiative to participate in providing increased access to RIT for those who have had distinguished service to this country.”

More than 300 RIT students are currently receiving veterans’ benefits. No other four-year institution in the Rochester region has as many students receiving veterans’ benefits, Miller said.

Veterans now receive college assistance from the VA according to their attendance. With a monthly check, the veterans must figure out how to make their education payments. A bill passed last year allowed for benefits to increase to the highest of published state institution rates, but fall far short of private education costs.

Private Yellow Ribbon colleges agree to provide allowances for up to half of that difference between their tuition and the public tuition limit, with the VA paying the other half of the difference. New York State also provides tuition assistance for veterans.

“The fact that we’re signing on as a Yellow Ribbon partner is no surprise,” said Gene Clark, assistant director and coordinator of veterans’ benefits at RIT. “Since its beginning, RIT has been sensitive and immediate in providing programs and support to this nation’s servicemen and women.”

The Yellow Ribbon Program should be in place to accommodate veterans who enroll at RIT this fall and could be applied to undergraduates or students pursuing graduate degrees. Veterans transferring from other colleges to RIT may also qualify, Miller said.

About RIT: Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging technology, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled access and support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. This year, 16,500 full- and part-time students are enrolled in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs at RIT, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

You’ve come back home with a new perspective on the world and on your future. You know there will be challenges, and you’ve faced challenges before, but now the question is: how will you be successful?

The key to success is a good education, and the best education is one designed especially for you. That’s what you’ll find at Rochester Institute of Technology.  You may require additional services to help you succeed. RIT is uniquely qualified to provide you with access to the best educational opportunities. RIT is home to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, and for more than 40 years has been a worldwide model for innovation in educating men and women who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. You’ll find audiological services right here on campus, along with note taking, captioning and other classroom technologies that will help you to succeed.

As recently reported by Rochester’s ABC affiliate, Rochester Institute of Technology is uniquely qualified to help veterans with hearing loss succeed in the classroom, the workplace and beyond.

Like you, we believe in putting your education to good use. RIT/NTID’s Center on Employment provides you with real workplace experiences that help you develop job-ready skills in your chosen field.

RIT is Committed to Veterans and Servicemembers

Because of our efforts to serve the educational needs of veterans, servicemembers and their families, Rochester Institute of Technology has earned two distinctions: we are a designated Yellow Ribbon and Servicemembers Opportunity Consortium college. RIT is proud of our commitment to those who have served our country.

We have compiled a resource list to help you navigate the many organizations designed for veterans and their families.

RIT/NTID Partnerships Benefit Veterans

As part of our commitment to helping veterans and their families, RIT/NTID is partnering with a number of organizations who also are ready to assist you.

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the nation’s foremost membership and advocacy organization for people with hearing loss. HLAA provides information on all aspects of hearing loss including hearing aids, assistive technology, and coping strategies.  For more information about a free one-year membership, contact the Membership Department.

The Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA) welcomes every deafened individual and all communication methods. Some people lipread, some sign, some use hearing aids, some have cochlear implants, and some prefer to have others write down what they are saying. ALDA respects all of these approaches—their official communication philosophy is “Whatever works!” ALDA offer veterans a membership discount and a reduced registration fee for their annual convention, ALDAcon. RIT/NTID student-veterans with hearing loss may apply for financial support to attend ALDAcon as a leadership development experience.Visit www.ALDA.org.

The Williams Sound RALD (Military Assistive Listening Device Program) offers assistive listening devices at a discounted price PLUS free personalized telephone support to Military Service Members and their families. Whether your needs are specific to TV listening, workplace environment, telephone sound, group dialog or one-on-one conversation, products from Williams Sound help you focus on what you’d  like to hear. CALL: 1-800-328-6190 – Monday  to Friday – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Central Standard Time

OASIS Adaptive Sports, Inc. assists disabled veterans to reconnect and resume productive lives in society through participation in outdoor recreational activities that promote independence and social and emotional well-being.  Visit www.oasisadaptivesports.org