Interpreter Training students & faculty support Deaf Days at Cincinnati Museum Center

Cincinnati State’s Interpreter Training Program (ITP) is collaborating with the Cincinnati Museum Center to provide “Deaf Days” at the Museum Center.

Deaf Days are one of several initiatives that provide expanded accessibility to Museum visitors.

Deaf Days offer discounted admission to a Museum exhibit for members of the Deaf community, and provide interpreters on site to interpret lectures and any other audible components of the exhibit.

Interpreter Training Program practicum students, along with their mentors, have served as event interpreters since June 2019.

In addition, this month ITP Program Chair Dawn Caudill and ITP adjunct instructor Ruby Downie will be presenters during a full-day Accessibility Training program for Museum Center staff members.

Dawn said Deaf Days are “a win-win endeavor.”

“The Deaf community gains access to these events, and ITP practicum students gain valuable experience interpreting out in the community, with mentors to guide and provide feedback,” Dawn added.

The collaboration began with Deaf Days for the exhibit “Pharaoh” in June and July 2019.

Dawn said the discounted ticket program began with a Deaf Day for the “Destination Moon” exhibit in November 2019, and continued with “Holiday Junction” in December 2019.

“Reducing the price made it possible for many more deaf and deaf-blind individuals and their families to attend the events,” Dawn said.

The ITP students and mentors assisted with another Deaf Day for the “Destination Moon” exhibit on Jan. 11, 2020.

Dawn said she expects the collaboration in support of Deaf Days events to continue in the future.