NTID Regional STEM Center and DeafTEC Math and Science Conference 2026
Overview
We’re excited to host the Math and Science Conference again, bringing together teachers of deaf and hard-of-hearing students from middle school through community college to collaborate on effective math and science teaching practices.
This conference is presented by Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) Regional STEM Center and DeafTEC, and will be held October 26–28, 2026 at RIT/NTID campus in Rochester, NY.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
Accessibility: Sign language interpreters and CART services will be provided for all workshop sessions. Please indicate any additional accommodation requests when registering.
Want to see past talks? Visit the DeafTEC website to view presentations from previous Math Conferences.
Presenters
| Presenter(s) | Presentation Title |
|---|---|
| Dr. Caroline Solomon | Deaf and Hard of Hearing STEM Education: A Snapshot of Where We Stand (Opening Keynote) |
| Christopher Hayes | Motivating Precalculus and Calculus with Data and Best Fit Curves |
| Dr. Nathan Harrison | Language & Literacy in STEM |
| William Jennison Victoria Holcomb |
Beyond the Digital Worksheet: Transforming Math Instruction with Amplify Desmos |
| Aditya Sharma Austin Davis |
From Engagement to Understanding: Using Games, Sports, and Digital Tools to Deepen Mathematical Thinking |
| Elizabeth Ayers | Deafness on Martha’s Vineyard: A Real World Case for Teaching Genetic Models |
| Lisa Meyer Debra Cole |
Accreditation Project at Lexington School for the Deaf - Math Curriculum |
| Dr. Scott Cohen Patrick Enderle |
Utilizing Translanguaging pedagogy to foster STEM sensemaking for deaf and hard of hearing students |
| Sarah E. Sarchet | Beyond “Right and Wrong Answers”: Reimagining Biology Learning Through Model-Based Inquiry |
| Dr. Hayley Yasui | Who Are Our Labs Designed For? Rethinking Access in Middle School Science |
| Jennifer Swartzenberg Christina Goudreau |
Sign Language Incorporation in Chemistry Education (SLICE) |
| Denise Lengyel | Visual and Multimodal Strategies for Teaching Cardiac Anatomy to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) Learners |
| Dr. Amie Fornah Sankoh Geoffrey Moore |
STEM Access and Achievement for Deaf Students: The Role of Family–Teacher Partnerships in POC Communities |
| Connie Potersnak Laura Christian |
UDL, 5Es, and Middle School Science - Let's Go! |
| Dr. Gary Blatto-Vallee | Language Access, Cognitive Development, and Mathematics Achievement in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Learners |
| Dr. Felicia Smith Stefanie Stamatis |
Supporting Mathematical Discourse and Reasoning for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students Beyond Access |
| Nick Catalano | Math Curriculum PLCs: Connecting Deaf Education Programs [Work Session] |
Event Schedule
| Monday - October 26, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| 11:00 – 12:30 PM | Campus Tour (Tentative - sign-up required) |
| 1:00 – 4:00 PM | Pre-conference |
| 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Registration / Refreshment |
| 5:00 – 6:15 PM | Kick-off / Presenters Panel |
| Bus (schedule to be announced) | |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner (on your own) |
| Tuesday - October 27, 2026 | |
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Registration / Continental Breakfast |
| 9:00 – 9:20 AM | Welcome |
| 9:20 – 10:30 AM | Opening Keynote |
| 10:30 – 10:45 AM | Break |
| 10:45 – 11:45 AM | Breakout Session Breakout Session Breakout Session Breakout Session |
| 11:45 – 1:15 PM | Lunch / Department Booths |
| 1:15 – 2:15 PM | Breakout Session Breakout Session Breakout Session Breakout Session |
| 2:15 – 2:30 PM | Break |
| 2:30 – 3:30 PM | Breakout Session Breakout Session Breakout Session Breakout Session |
| 3:30 – 3:45 PM | Break |
| 3:45 – 4:45 PM | Breakout Session Breakout Session Breakout Session Breakout Session |
| Bus (schedule to be announced) | |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner (on your own) |
| Wednesday - October 28, 2026 | |
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Registration / Continental Breakfast |
| 9:00 – 10:30 AM | Students Panel |
| 10:30 – 10:45 AM | Break |
| 10:45 – 11:45 AM | Closing Keynote Presentation |
| 11:45 – 2:30 PM | Lunch (provided) / Wrap up (reflections) / Evaluations |
| Bus (schedule to be announced - will provide transportation to the airport and hotel) | |
| 2:30 – 4:00 PM | Campus Tour (Tentative - sign-up required) |
Parking Information
If you are planning to park on campus during the conference, please register ahead of time:
https://rit.t2hosted.com/pnw2/selectevent.aspx
Note: This works best when copied and pasted into Google Chrome.
Instructions
- Select event: 10/26–28/26 – Math & Science
- Check the boxes for days you will be attending and for the Virtual Permits (note that parking is in L Lot – General)
- Add to Basket
- Enter your vehicle information
- If you have previously parked on campus, you may receive a warning indicating that your vehicle is already in the system -- you can click to bypass it and check out.
No additional information is required beyond your vehicle details. If you experience any issues, please email rakfms@rit.edu and include screenshots of the problem.
Conference Sponsors
NTID Regional STEM Center (NRSC)
The NTID Regional STEM Center promotes training and participation for deaf and hard-of-hearing middle and high school students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Its activities focus on:
- Preparing postsecondary students to succeed in STEM
- Providing professional development for middle and high school teachers
- Building relationships with business and industry to promote employment opportunities
Learn more on the NRSC webpage.
DeafTEC
Sponsored in part by DeafTEC, a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education Resource Center (award #1902474). DeafTEC serves as a resource for high schools and community colleges that educate deaf and hard-of-hearing students in STEM-related programs, and for employers hiring deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
DeafTEC’s goal is to increase the number of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in highly skilled technician jobs.
Learn more on the DeafTEC webpage.
Contact Us
Questions? Please contact Theresa Johnson, M.Ed. at tljoea@rit.edu.