ASSETS 2014 Poster Session 2 Exhibitor Questionnaire  
Venue  
NTID Strategic Research Centers - Rosica Hall, Bldg. 53 (RSC)  

Exhibit Title  
The Deaf STEM Community Alliance: A Virtual Academic Community for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students in STEM  

Exhibitor(s) – name, department, email address  
Lisa Elliot – NTID CAT; lisa.elliot@rit.edu  
James DeCaro – NTID CAT; jjd8074@rit.edu  
E. William Clymer – NTID Business Studies; ewcncp@rit.edu  
Donna Easton – NTID CAT; dlencr@rit.edu  

Exhibit Description/Abstract  
This presentation describes activities of the Deaf STEM Community Alliance, funded by the National Science Foundation.  

The Alliance’s goal is to build a model deaf and hard-of-hearing virtual academic community (DHHVAC) to increase the graduation rates in the long term of postsecondary students who are STEM majors and who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH).   
  
The DHHVAC addresses three critical barriers to the success of students who are D/HH: a) student preparation; b) socialization; and, c) accessible media. An incremental and iterative model-building strategy is being used to create the various components of the community. The DHHVAC supports activities including remote tutoring, remote mentoring by STEM professionals who are D/HH, and environments in which to share STEM information that is accessible to individuals who are D/HH. Currently, components of the DHHVAC include an accessible website, dedicated email, private and public Google+ social media pages, and a YouTube channel.   

Logistics  
Tables  1
Chairs  2

Tech Requirements  
Power Outlets  5
Internet (Wireless OK?)  Yes-Wireless OK, but Ethernet preferred  
Video or Other Tech Requirements  Large screen video projection desired that connects to laptop to  
show project videos  

Interpreting  
Yes  No 
     x