News by Topic: Deaf Community

RIT is hosting four Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program sites this summer, which are designed for students to develop a passion for research and receive guidance for pursuing graduate careers. The university has a longstanding history hosting REU sites, which are funded by grants from the National Science Foundation.

Cultured features an essay by artist Christine Sun Kim '02 (applied science and technology) reflecting on disability rights, Deaf culture, and “wrath,” citing the work of Corinna Hill, assistant professor of liberal studies, and discussing historical efforts to assimilate and erase Deaf identity.

Rochester Business Journal reports that Flavia S. Fleischer has been appointed dean of RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf, becoming the first Deaf woman to lead the college in its history.

Following a national search, NTID President Caroline Solomon and RIT Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Prabu David have announced the appointment of Flavia S. Fleischer as the college’s new dean. She assumes the role on Aug. 1.

Jay McHarg, CEO of AeroSafe Global, has been named as the 2026 recipient of the Herbert W. Vanden Brul Entrepreneurial Award, presented by Saunders College of Business.

History major Julia Resciniti is headed to law school in the fall, bringing her one step closer to her career goal of becoming a disability rights lawyer and policy advocate.

After graduation in May, Blake Culley will continue their work inspiring students as a bilingual language arts teacher.

WHAM-TV highlights New York state’s move to include American Sign Language in its language access law.

WHEC-TV reports on New York state expanding its language access law to include American Sign Language, highlighting efforts to improve access to government information through ASL-translated content.

WROC-TV speaks to Erin Finton, lecturer at NTID, about the Grammar Laboratory app she helped develop with Google to support deaf and hard-of-hearing students in learning English and ASL.

A lifelong volunteer and advocate for community involvement, and a graduating student whose passion is helping the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community overcome food anxiety are the recipients of this year’s Alfred L. Davis Distinguished Public Service Awards.

Five renowned individuals with contributions to science, business, technology, and the arts will receive honorary degrees from RIT.