The Future Deaf Scientists (FDS) program, a collaboration between the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Rochester School for the Deaf, addresses the underrepresentation of Deaf individuals in science and medicine. Deaf students face unique challenges including "Deaf tax," systemic ableism, and limited networking and mentoring opportunities, which the program aims to overcome.
Since its 2021 inception, the FDS program has provided a 4-week summer internship in cancer and STEM fields. The curriculum includes didactics, exposure to Deaf science and medicine role models, and hands-on laboratory and surgery experiences. The program has seen steady and recurring participation with multiple students returning several years in a row.
Notably, the FDS program is the first-ever collaboration between an academic medical center and a bilingual school for the Deaf. Positive outcomes include increased knowledge in science, awareness of Deaf role models, and heightened interest in medicine and science careers. The program has received NIH funding for year-long educational activities at RSD, and to create partnerships between other schools for the Deaf and their local academic medical centers for their own summer programs. The FDS program is a national model for inspiring Deaf students to envision themselves as future researchers, clinicians, and scientists.
Learning Objectives- To learn about the Future Deaf Scientists program and how it may apply to other schools for the Deaf
- Learn more about possibilities of partnering with universities, also future opportunities to join the FDS Program
Zoom link:
Topic: CEASD 2025- The Future of Deaf Scientists Program
Time: Apr 10, 2025 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/88909099242?pwd=kBrWWw1pxYFyPXiambLUgJZ7gepwac.1
Meeting ID: 889 0909 9242
Passcode: 859395
---
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,88909099242#,,,,*859395# US (Washington DC)
