A world-class institute of changemakers in the deaf and signing community.
Since 1864, we have been investing in and creating resources for deaf and hard of hearing children, their families, and the professionals who work with them.
Over 50 degree programs, with online and continuing education for personal and professional development.
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Director Cindy Officer, Ph.D.
Kendall Hall (KH)
PST Registration-related questions: email ccoe@gallaudet.eduASL Registration questions: email aslconnect.admissions@gallaudet.edu
The Peer Mentor Training Certificate Program is designed to train deaf, hard-of-hearing, and late-deafened individuals in meeting the diverse needs of individuals with hearing loss. Individuals are trained to provide information, support, empathy, validation, and skills to consumers in need. Peer mentors will also be able to conduct needs assessments, problem-solve, and establish goals and objectives to improve the quality of life for these individuals, help to establish effective use of assistive hearing technology, and ensure equal and appropriate access to communication. This professional studies program is comprised of a 12-credit, seven-course curriculum that is completed over a period of two years. Courses are offered predominately online, allowing for individuals to balance education, work, and family, and are taught by aural rehabilitationists, audiologists, and graduate students with exceptional skills in the area of audiology and aural rehabilitation. While the concept of professional peer mentors is much needed, peer mentoring within audiology is revolutionary. Graduates of the program report they benefit most through self-growth, applying skills acquired to their current jobs, or to advocacy and outreach efforts within their community.
PSG 690 Opening Seminar: Orientation to Peer Mentoring (on-campus, 1 credit)
Course Description
This two-day orientation will introduce trainees to the concept of peer mentoring as a supplement to audiology professionals. Trainees will get an overview of the course materials, academic and experiential requirements, and actively participate in team building activities to establish a support network. The concept of mentoring as compared with counseling will be discussed. Participants will receive a brief overview of their responsibilities as peer mentors. Communication protocols and an online discussion forum will be established. Prerequisite: Acceptance into RERC--Gallaudet's Peer Mentoring Program.
PSG 691 Hearing Loss in America: An Overview (online, 2 credits)
This course will provide an overview of hearing loss in America. Students will read articles and complete experiential activities to help them develop a broad understanding of the impact of hearing loss on U.S. citizens. A weekly open discussion on readings and program-related assignments will be chat-room based with ongoing dialogue through the Blackboard-based discussion forum. Topics of this course will include demographics of hearing loss in the U.S., micro-, meso- and macro-impact of hearing loss on individuals with hearing loss and their family, friends and co-workers; economic cultural, healthcare and legal impact, related social policy, and law. This course will be online. Learning approaches will include articles and book chapters, case studies, real-time discussion, use of discussion forum and powerpoint presentations. Projects which foster experiential learning will be incorporated for many objectives. Prerequisite: Acceptance into RERC--Gallaudet's Peer Mentoring Program
PSG 692 Practical Audiology: Fundamentals for Consumers (online, 2 credits)
This course provides an overview of audiology for consumer needs. Hearing Health professionals and their scopes of practice will be explored. Learners will develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism and be able to describe how sound travels from its source to its interpretation by the brain. 21 of the most common etiologies which may cause hearing loss will be examined. Students will learn how to interpret basic audiologic information including pure tone results, speech audiometry, and impedance results. This course will be online. Learning approaches will include articles and book chapters, case studies, real-time discussion, use of discussion forum and powerpoint presentations. Projects which foster experiential learning will be incorporated for many objectives. Prerequisites: PST 776
PSG 693 Biopsychosocial Aspects of Hearing Loss (online, 2 credits)
This course will explore the various aspects of the biopsychosocial model as it relates to hearing loss with particular emphasis on the psychological (affective, behavioral, cognitive) and social impact of hearing loss on individuals, their families and group contexts in which they communicate. Learners will examine the grieving process and crisis as it relates to progressive and sudden onset hearing loss. Parallel reactions of significant others will be investigated. The range of behavioral reactions will be assessed using the assertiveness continuum. This course will be online. Learning approaches will include articles and book chapters, case studies, real-time discussions, use of discussion forum and powerpoint presentations. Projects which foster experiential learning will be incorporated for many objectives.
PSG 694 Communication Assistive Technology (online, 2 credits)
This course focuses on communication technology which will enhance the ability of a person with hearing loss to communicate more effectively. Mentors will be taught to assess the communication needs of their peers and help them select and pursue appropriate options for one on one, group and computer-based communication, as well as to access the media (TV, radio, etc.). Emphasis will be on four areas of technology: Alerting and Warning Devices, Personal Amplification System, Group Listening Systems, and Cochlear Implants. Both Consumer Strategies and Communication Strategies will be addressed in this course. This course will be online. Learning approaches will include articles and book chapters, case studies, real-time discussion, use of discussion forum and powerpoint presentations. Projects which foster experiential learning will be incorporated for many objectives. Prerequisites: PST 778
PSG 695 Peer Mentoring for Hearing Loss (online, 2 credits)
This course is offered as part of a 16-credit certificate program, the Peer Mentor Training Certificate Program, designed to train qualified hard of hearing or deaf individuals to help others adapt to their hearing losses by providing them the needed skills and support under the supervision of certified or licensed hearing health professionals. The course integrates all of the information learned in the previous six courses. Using case studies, role play, and volunteer subjects, learners will assess peers and develop mentoring plans under supervision. Community resources will be explored and advocacy issues addressed. Trends in aural rehabilitation will also be discussed. Prerequisites: Hearing Technology
PSG 696 Final Seminar: Applications of Peer Mentoring (on-campus, 1 credit)
This course will focus on the mentoring process. Boundaries for mentors will be explored, clearly defined and contrasted with those of counseling professionals. A needs assessment format will be developed by each participant. Problem-solving models will be introduced and applied. The use of anticipatory, maintenance and repair communication strategies will be demonstrated and practiced in role play. The assertiveness continuum will be applied to strategy use. Learning approaches will include articles and book chapters, case studies, real-time discussion, use of discussion forum and powerpoint presentations. Projects which foster experiential learning will be incorporated for many objectives. Prerequisites: Hearing Technology NOTE: This course may be waived if trainees have completed the RERC NCHAT program
If you are interested in applying for the certificate, please visit the Peer Mentor Training Program website for more information or contact matthew.bakke@gallaudet.edu.
Admissions Requirements
Spring 2021 – Dec 12Fall 2021 – May 15