N T I D

National Technical Institute for the Deaf • Rochester Institute of Technology

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 0 4

The Road Ahead...

Pomp and Circumstance Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz (Photo #1) was officially installed as RIT vice president and dean for NTID at a ceremony on April 26, 2004, in NTID's Panara Theatre. Among those honoring Dr. Hurwitz were NTID Associate Professor Patrick A. Graybill (#2), who gave the invocation; RIT PresidentAlbert Simone (#3); Dr. Troy R. Justesen (#4), acting deputy assistant secretary, Office of Special Educationand Rehabilitative Services, United States Department of Education; and Dr. James DeCaro (#5), director ofPEN-International. On stage with Dr. Hurwitz (#6) are Dr. Simone; Marie Bernard, NTID staff interpreter; RITProvost Dr. Stan McKenzie; and NTID Associate Professor Edward Mineck. During the ceremony, President

Simone presented Dr. Hurwitz with a gift made by a student in RIT's School of American Crafts (#7).

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F E A T U R E S

4 An Interview with Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz, RIT Vice President and Dean for NTID

10 Welcome to Robo-Lab

12 It’s Alive! Technology Rules in NTID Performing Arts

16 Notetaking Goes High Tech

D E P A R T M E N T S

2 Alan’s Update: Charting the Course

7 Profiles in College

14 Alumni Profiles:Cinda LautenschlegarReynaldo Llarena

15 NTID—An Outstanding Investment:Pforzheimer Foundation Supports New ProductReflections of the ArtistA New Scholarship for Women

N T I D

National Technical Institute for the Deaf • Rochester Institute of Technology

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 0 4

ABOUT THE COVEROn April 26, 2004, Dr. T. AlanHurwitz was installed as RIT vicepresident and dean for NTID. Readmore about Dr. Hurwitz and hisplans as NTID’s new leader in his column on Page 2 and in thearticle on Page 4.

2 FOCUS

I’m privileged to be leading NTID at a particularly exciting time in the college’s history. When I was appointed RIT vice presidentand dean for NTID in December2003, one of my first initiatives wasto create a “2010 Strategic Vision”group to assess where NTID shouldbe headed in the next five to 10years. This group, led by veteranfaculty member Dr. Jeffrey Porter,worked closely with NTID’sMarketplace Scanning Committeeand Institutional Research group to produce an internal planningdocument that highlights currentrealities and discusses possiblefuture trends.

That document was shared withthe NTID community in February as the starting point for two monthsof open dialogue with faculty andstaff members, students, alumni,and members of NTID’s NationalAdvisory Group. The finished reportof the committee was released inmid-April and detailed with greatclarity where NTID should bedirecting its resources and energiesto best prepare graduates for thealways changing workplace.

The good news for those of us in education is that knowledge as acommodity will continue to grow,

and a college degree will berequisite in obtaining a good job.Increasingly, that degree will be atthe baccalaureate level, as studentsin increasing numbers have shownboth the desire and the ability toobtain such a degree. The mannerin which such degrees are pursuedmay change, however, as nonlinearways of attending college—such asdistance learning and corporateuniversity settings, through whichemployees study on a part-timebasis—will increase.

Some factors noted in the reportwere not a surprise to us. We know that, for the next 10 years,the student population will beincreasingly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, anddisabilities. We know that morefemale students will enroll, as will more students with cochlearimplants. Diversity in language and communication styles willcontinue to evolve.

Our numbers of internationalstudents will rise, with dramaticgrowth from Asia and SouthAmerica. We know that the costs of educating these students willcontinue to increase, as will theneed for qualified teachers andinterpreters to serve them.

ALAN’S UPDATE

Charting theCourseEditor

Pamela L. Carmichael

WritersKaren E. M. BlackKathy A. JohncoxFrank A. KruppenbacherKathleen S. Smith

Art DirectorBrenda L. Monahan,RIT University Publications

PhotographyMark Benjamin—pp. 2, 10-11, 15Justine Raven—p. 7John Slaughter—p. 8Paul Stropko—p. 11A. Sue Weisler—FC, IFC, pp. 3-4, 6-9,

12-13, 16, IBC, BCAna Zangroniz—p. 7

FOCUS is published by the MarketingCommunications Department at theNational Technical Institute for the Deaf,a college of Rochester Institute ofTechnology, Rochester, N.Y.

The views expressed in guest columns do not necessarily reflect the position ofNTID or FOCUS magazine.

Marketing Communications585-475-6906 (voice or TTY)585-475-5623 (fax)NTIDMC@rit.edu (e-mail)

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To subscribe or unsubscribe to FOCUSmagazine or to update your mailingaddress, please contact NTID MarketingCommunications, 52 Lomb MemorialDrive, Rochester, N.Y. 14623-5604.

RIT will admit and hire men and women;veterans; persons with disabilities; andindividuals of any race, creed, religion,color, national or ethnic origin, sexualorientation, age, or marital status, incompliance with all appropriate legislation.

N T I D

FOCUS 3

We know that our students willfeel the impact of the explosion ofglobal technology. As manufacturingsectors continue to diminish,universal job skills will be necessary.New career fields will emerge astelecommunications, informationtechnologies, media, publishing,science, and engineering-relatedfields converge. Health, computersupport, and environmentaltechnology careers also will flourish.

We know that tomorrow’sgraduates, unlike previousgenerations, most likely will facemultiple job/career changes in their lifetime; that they must becommitted to life-long learning toremain appealing job candidates; that they must be self-motivated,skilled, and honest, and must possess good communication,teamwork, creative thinking, andproblem-solving skills.

How will these findings affect our work?

They most certainly will drive our curricular efforts, as we tailorexisting programs and create newones to meet the needs of industry.We will continue successfulprograms such as the English Acrossthe Curriculum effort to ensure that students leave NTID with thenecessary critical thinking skills thatwill allow them to be successful intheir jobs.

Maintaining good relationshipswith the federal government will be increasingly important. Manybelieve that federal, state, and private funding will move away fromhigher education in the next 10 yearsto focus more on K-12 education,homeland security, and other societalconcerns. Private education also willface increasing competition frompublic education. The current trendfor state Vocational Rehabilitationfunds to be kept in state may poseanother challenge, in terms ofattracting a diverse pool of students.

At the same time, attracting and retaining those students will beof critical importance to NTID in thenext decade. To meet the challenge,our strengths and attributes must be clearly defined for our variousaudiences. This summer, we willbegin analyzing and clarifying our institutional identity, with thegoal of clearly communicating themany reasons that NTID enjoys areputation as the nation’s premiertechnological college.

One of my goals in the next few years is to create Centers ofExcellence at NTID, where educatorsof deaf and hard-of-hearing peoplecan access the latest research in technology and pedagogy.Teamwork, group projects anddiscussions, and creative learningenvironments will be hallmarks of these centers.

Managing our fiscal resources,maintaining good relationships with the federal government, andlooking to new individuals andcorporations for monetary supportwill give us the financial clout weneed to accomplish our goals. Thosewho have worked with us in thepast know that NTID is a soundlong-term investment.

I have seen many changes atNTID since I began my career here34 years ago. One thing that has notchanged is the level of commitmentdemonstrated by faculty and staffmembers who are part of the NTIDcommunity. With this strong groupof professionals, the NTID of 2010indeed will be a very exciting place.

Dr. Hurwitz chats with a colleague following his installation as RIT vice president and dean for NTID.

4 FOCUS

Last fall, following anextensive national search,RIT President Albert Simoneappointed NTID Dean

Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz to the newlycombined position of RIT vice presidentand dean for NTID. For the past 34years, Dr. Hurwitz has held a variety ofacademic and administrative positionsat the college.

FOCUS recently interviewed Dr. Hurwitz to learn more about hispriorities as NTID’s new leader and his vision for the college’s future.

FOCUS: Congratulations on beingnamed RIT vice president and dean forNTID. You certainly bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to theposition. When you arrived at NTID in1970 did you ever imagine that one dayyou would lead the college?

Dr. Hurwitz: No, not at all. When Iarrived at NTID, I was very excited tobecome part of the faculty here. I wasexcited about working with studentsand helping them prepare for careersin engineering and computer science,but I never dreamed I’d be where I am now.

FOCUS: What are the top prioritiesyou’re focusing on in your first year asvice president and dean?

Dr. Hurwitz: My first priority is, and always will be, students. So, I’mfocusing on making sure we have the appropriate resources in place tocontinue fulfilling our mission ofproviding deaf and hard-of-hearingstudents with an outstanding state-of-the-art education that prepares them to live and work in our rapidlychanging world. This requires that we continually evaluate and enhanceour programs and services and keepour curriculum and technologicalresources on the cutting edge. It also requires that we strengthen our relationships with the federal

An Interview with Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz,RIT Vice President and Dean for NTID

By Pamela L. Carmichael

RIT President Albert Simone, left, congratulates Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz afterannouncing Hurwitz’s appointment as RIT vice president and dean for NTID.

FOCUS 5

“We are continually evaluating and

adjusting our programs and services, so we

remain well prepared to meet students’

needs and ensure they receive the quality

education RIT/NTID is known for.”Dr. T. Alan HurwitzRIT Vice President and Dean for NTID

government and private donors, whosesupport makes it possible for NTID tocarry out its mission.

FOCUS: What do you see as the mostsignificant challenges facing NTID in the next five years, and how will youaddress them?

Dr. Hurwitz: One of our biggestchallenges is the changingdemographics of incoming students.More students are coming to NTIDfrom mainstream schools and more areusing assistive technologies, such ascochlear implants. We are continuallyevaluating and adjusting our programsand services, so we remain wellprepared to meet these students’ needsand ensure they receive the qualityeducation RIT/NTID is known for—aneducation that prepares them well forcareers in a global society and overallsuccess in life.

Another challenge is managing the impact on NTID of the financialchallenges faced by our federalgovernment. We’re all aware of thebudgetary constraints our governmentis dealing with and the resultant filter-down effect on federally fundedprograms such as NTID. We mustcontinue to foster our strong workingrelationship with federal officials andmake sure they understand the value ofNTID and the worthwhile investmentthey’re making in our students.

A third challenge is the incredibly

fast pace of change in business andindustry. Rapid technologicaladvancements turn the requisite skillsets for various careers into movingtargets. We make sure our curriculumnot only keeps pace, but stays ahead ofthe curve. By doing that, we prepareour graduates for the challenges ofwork and help them find good jobsthat lead to successful careers.

FOCUS: Do you think today’s studentsare different from those who attended NTID34 years ago, and if so, in what ways?

Dr. Hurwitz: Today’s students havebeen shaped by different experiencesand different environmental influencesthan those of 34 years ago. They’ve had more exposure to technology, andthey use it frequently. Many of themalso have had more experiences inmainstream settings.

Another difference is in the numbersof deaf and hard-of-hearing studentspursuing programs of study in theother colleges of RIT. When I startedhere 34 years ago, only about 10percent of our students were enrolledin RIT’s other colleges. Today, thatnumber is more than 42 percent.

The overall composition of ourstudent body also has changed. Morethan 25 percent of our students areAfrican-American, Native American,Asian, or Latino. We’re very excitedabout that, and expect that percentageto continue to grow over time.

FOCUS: What are the most significantchallenges facing deaf and hard-of-hearing students today? How does NTIDhelp them address those challenges?

Dr. Hurwitz: A significant challengefor some students is making surethey’re academically ready for college,so we’ve implemented a variety ofprograms to help them improve theiracademic skills. One example is ourEnglish Across the Curriculumprogram, which helps students developliteracy and critical thinking skills.

Our students also face a variety ofchallenges related to the rapid pace ofchange in business and industry. We doan excellent job of preparing them todeal with these changes and challenges.Because we live in a dynamic worldwhere businesses are outsourcing,downsizing, merging or closing everyday, we make sure our students arewell-trained and able to make strategiccareer moves. And, with more andmore businesses operating globally, wemake our students aware of globalissues and prepare them to deal withthose issues.

FOCUS: What makes NTID the bestchoice for deaf and hard-of-hearingstudents?

Dr. Hurwitz: The technical, personal,social, and communication skills wehelp our students develop preparethem for the world of work and successin life. Our academic programs areexcellent, and our cooperative educationprograms provide work experiences forstudents while they learn.

We also offer students anenvironment that allows them to make many choices. Here at NTID,they can learn and socialize with deaf,hard-of-hearing and hearing students,faculty, staff and alumni. Our residencelife programs offer them many positiveexperiences. Students can be involvedin clubs, sports and any of more than 100 campus organizations. When I attended college, my academicexperience was outstanding, but mycollege-life experience was limited.Here students have both.

6 FOCUS

Vice PresidentRochester Institute of Technology

DeanNational Technical Institute for the Deaf

Education• Harvard Institute for

Higher Education, 2000 Management and Leadership in Education

• Ed.D. in Curriculum/TeachingUniversity of Rochester, 1980

• M.S. in Electrical EngineeringSt. Louis University, 1970

• B.S. in Electrical EngineeringWashington University at St. Louis, 1965

FOCUS: In your view, what factors havebeen key to NTID’s success thus far?

Dr. Hurwitz: Without a doubt, peoplehave been the key to NTID’s success.We have skilled, dedicated, and caringfaculty and staff who work withstudents and support and encouragethem to become successful in theircareers. We also have hard-workingstudents, supportive parents, generousdonors, and outstanding alumni. All ofthese people have contributed toNTID’s success and will continue to bekey to NTID’s future.

FOCUS: When you think about thefuture, what do you see for NTID?

Dr. Hurwitz: Students have been, are,and always will remain our focus. Theyare at the heart of all that we do. Whenthe first class of students entered NTID35 years ago, it was an experiment ofsorts. Never before had deaf and hard-of-hearing students been afforded anopportunity to learn in a technicalcollege environment designedespecially for them. Now in 2004,NTID is a well-established reality foradvancing the careers and lives of

people who are deaf or hard of hearing. My vision is to build on that success

and enhance NTID’s reputation as thecollege of choice for deaf and hard-of-hearing students—a place where theycan achieve their goals and discoverlimitless opportunities to learn andgrow. A place where they can gainconfidence and develop the skills theyneed to succeed in their careers and asleaders in their communities.

FOCUS: Any final thoughts you’d like toshare with our readers?

Dr. Hurwitz: I’m very excited aboutthe opportunities ahead for NTID andour students, and I look forward toworking with them and our faculty andstaff, parents, donors and alumni, as wemove into the future. Working together,we will ensure that NTID remains theunsurpassed leader in technicaleducation for generations of deaf andhard-of-hearing students to come.

A new leader In describing his leadershipstyle, Dr. Hurwitz says: “I encourage innovationand creativity, and I like to work collaboratively,seeking input from others. At the same time, I look at the big picture and focus on results,making the final decision and acceptingresponsibility for outcomes.”

T. Alan Hurwitz, Ed.D.

Born profoundly deaf to deafparents, Dr. Hurwitz attendedCentral Institute for the Deaf

in St. Louis, and graduated from amainstream high school in Iowa. Prior to coming to NTID in 1970, heworked as an electronics engineer andprogrammer/analyst with McDonnellDouglas Corporation. For the past 34years, he has held a number of positionsat NTID in the areas of supportservices, student affairs, and academicaffairs. In 1998, he was named dean ofNTID, and in 2003, he was named RITvice president and dean for NTID.

As a full professor at NTID, Dr. Hurwitz has taught a wide varietyof undergraduate and graduate courses

in interpreter training, teachereducation, computer science andmathematics. He has been a facultyadvisor to many student groups and hasparticipated as a member of a numberof RIT task forces, in addition to thoseat NTID. He has made countlesspresentations at conferences andprograms nationally and internationally,and has published widely in academicand professional journals. Dr. Hurwitzhas consulted in a wide range of areasat the local, state and national levelsand has held key leadership positionswithin virtually all of the major nationalorganizations related to deaf and hard-of-hearing education and advocacy.

FOCUS 7

Earth is the art; thephotographer is just awitness,” says Justine

Raven, a third-year DigitalImaging and PublishingTechnology student with aserious interest inphotography. “I’ve alwaystaken pictures and alwayswill be fascinated byphotography,” she says.

Justine, age 22, grew upin South Portland, Maine,where she attendedmainstream classes, andwhere her mother, who ishearing, was a teacher of thedeaf. In high school, Justineplayed soccer and wasinvolved in track, serving ascaptain of the team in 2002.

Justine’s RIT/NTIDexperience started when sheattended an open house as a

high school junior and wona raffle. The prize? Freeadmission to NTID’sExplore Your Future (EYF)program that summer. EYF,a career awareness programfor high school juniors, washer first experience

interacting withmany deaf studentsand a deafcommunity.

Last summer,Justine completed aco-op at the AspenCamp for the Deaf in Colorado, whereshe taught campersto print black andwhite photos andcreated a photoalbum for the camp.

In addition to being on the Dean’s List, Justine is a student assistant forNTID Freshman Seminarcourses, works for theStudent Life Team and is aphotography assistant forRIT/NTID sports.

“In my spare time, I like toplay basketball, take pictures,

hang with friends, and spend time with my familyon vacation,” she says.

She’s not sure yet about the future, but sheknows her career will be in photography. Her goal?She’d like to have her photosin National Geographicmagazine someday.

PROFILES IN COLLEGE

Justine Raven by Kathy A. Johncox

If you want a positivegame plan for success in sports, school, and

in life, you would do well to chat with JennaNewberry, one of RIT’s toprookie athletes.

“Basketball is the ultimateteam sport,” says Jenna, afirst-year point guard on the RIT women’s basketballteam. “It’s a sport thatdemands hours of practice,conditioning, and mentalpreparation to be successful.

“In a lot of ways,basketball symbolizes how I approach my school workand my life,” adds theNovato, Calif., native.

Jenna was a high schoolhoops standout for the SanMarin Mustangs. In the2002-2003 season, she scored233 points and was a solidfree-throw leader in herleague. For her play on thecourt and her studies in theclassroom, Jenna received theHal Connolly Scholar-AthleteAward, the San MarinAthletic Foundation Student

Athlete Award, and the SanMarin High School StudentBody Award.

“It’s a challenge balancingboth basketball and mystudies,” Jenna says. “I knowthat I want to be successfulas a student and as a player,so I just prioritize my time to make sure I accomplishboth goals.”

In her first year at RIT,Jenna earned her place onthe Dean’s List twice. As a starting guard for themajority of the RIT women’sbasketball games, she scored a season total 100points and pulled down 64 rebounds.

A highlight for Jenna’srookie season was RIT’sfirst-ever women’s hoopswin over cross-town rivalNazareth College. In that

game, Jenna lead the Tigers 6 for 8 from the free throwline, pouring in 10 pointson the way to a 56-45victory in the JPMorganChase Tournament.

“Basketball has taught me discipline and mentaltoughness,” says Jenna. “Onthe court, no one cares if Iam deaf. The team judgesme by my ability to helpthem, and they will get onme if I’m not helping.”

After two academicquarters of prebaccalaureatestudies, Jenna entered RIT’sBusiness Managementprogram in March.

“I’m motivated to use thesame lessons I’ve learnedfrom sports to do the bestjob I possibly can inschool,” she says.

Jenna Newberry

Downtown Rochester providesample opportunities for Justine’sphotographer’s eye.

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by Frank A. Kruppenbacher

8 FOCUS

Most people in thebusiness worldtoday have to work

with computers and create

letters,” says AdrianaGuardiola, a Business majorfrom Portage, Ind. “I enjoydoing both.”

Guardiola, 22, who losther hearing at age 3 to spinalmeningitis, has parents andfour siblings who all arehearing, and she always hasattended mainstream classesusing interpreters. When sheattended an RIT/NTID openhouse, she was thrilled to see teachers signing forthemselves, and she knewNTID would be one of hercollege choices.

“There are opportunitiesfor me at RIT/NTID,” shesays. “And, if you start amajor and change your

mind, there are plenty ofother options.”

Adriana chose RIT/NTIDnot only because of all theopportunities, but alsobecause of the very friendlyenvironment and theatmosphere around thecollege, which she takestime to enjoy despite herbusy schedule.

Along with making theDean’s List and working atNTID’s Career ResourceTesting Center lab as acomputer technician, she’s amember of the CaribbeanDeaf Club and had a part inThe Vagina Monologues, anannual performance that’spart of a national campaign

to end violence againstwomen. Drawing, exercisingand chatting online are some of Adriana’s otherfavorite pastimes.

Now that she hasgraduated, a career inbusiness is where Adriana is headed, but she says shewouldn’t turn down a jobworking with her two otherloves: animals and children.

“I’d like to find a good job that pays well, buy a house and get married,”says Adriana. “Anything ispossible if you put yourmind to it.”

Adriana Guardiola by Kathy A. Johncox

Through the mind’s eye, a skilledphotographer captures

a scene, processes it inthought, and sets in motiona creative process. Next,through the camera lens, thephotographer becomes a fineartist, creating an image ofthe scene—a picture totouch the hearts of othersand motivate their thinking.

These are important skills that John Slaughter,fourth-year AdvertisingPhotography major,possesses and applies to hisphotographic artworks.

“The photographer is anartist, and I am an artist,”John says. “I create imagesthat give pleasure to thosewho look at them. My goal is to have an impact onpeople’s hearts.”

At age 24, the Shawnee,Kan., native, like hisphotography, exhibits anexuberant maturity througha depth of textures andexperiences. Two summersago, John and his classmatesspent three-and-a-half weekscamping, traveling, andphotographing America’sDesert Southwest. RIT/NTID

Assistant Professor DawnTower DuBois accompaniedthe students on the trip.

“John was the only deafstudent among the 16 in thegroup,” says Tower DuBois.“He jumped right into themix of students and faculty.His work from that trip isoutstanding—a truly uniqueinterpretation of the Desert Southwest.”

Earlier this year, John wasone of 15 RIT photo majorstraveling and photographingin Cuba. While there for 10 days, he focused hiscamera on everyday life andon the architecture he foundthroughout the island’smajor cities.

“My studies at RIT havetaught me how to putmeaning into an image andcapture it with the camera,”says John who graduated

this year from RIT’s School of Photographic Artsand Sciences.

“I always think, it’s nothow good I am, but how badI want it. I have patientlypushed myself, and my skillsimproved. I did this becauseI’m not a quitter.”

John Slaughter by Frank A. Kruppenbacher

Hats Left Behind by John Slaughtertaken in Trinidad, Cuba, 2004

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PROFILES IN COLLEGE

FOCUS 9

Xingxing means“many stars” inChinese, and true to

his name, Xingxing Wangshines brightly—anexceptional young man witha remarkable story.

Although he is profoundlydeaf, Xingxing attendedmainstream schools in Chinawith no support services.With his mother’s help, hesuccessfully mastered all thephonemes required to speakfluent Chinese. His successwas so remarkable, hebecame the subject of adocumentary produced by aChinese television network.

Xingxing’s fascination withcomputers started when heused his first PC at age 4. Hisinterest grew as he did, andby the time he was ready forcollege, Xingxing knew he

wanted to major in ComputerScience. He began his studiesat a university in Chinabefore transferring toRIT/NTID in 2002 as asecond-year ComputerScience student.

“My former doctor, whohad moved to the UnitedStates from China,recommended RIT,” Xingxingexplains. “I decided to comehere because RIT offerschallenging courses that Iknow will enhance my talentand potential and prepare mefor a good future.”

When he arrived at RIT, hecould communicate usingwritten, but not spoken,English, and he knew no signlanguage. In fact, he hadnever even seen sign languageor met another deaf personbefore coming to America. Inthe past year and a half, he

has taken AmericanSign Language coursesand worked on hisspoken English skillswith Jacquelyn Kelly, afaculty member inNTID’s SpeechLanguage Department.

“Xingxing has madeamazing progress inhis acquisition ofspoken English andsign language,” saysKelly. “He’s also done verywell academically.”

When he isn’t studying or working to improve hislanguage skills, Xingxinglikes to spend time with friends.

“RIT offers manyopportunities to socialize withdiverse groups of people,” saysthe 23-year-old, who has beenactive in NTID’s Asian DeafClub as well as the Deaf

International Student Club.After he graduates,

Xingxing plans to return toChina and demonstrate thatdeaf individuals can besuccessful computer scientists.

“I want to show people inChina what deaf people cando,” he says. “And, I want tohelp other deaf people believein themselves and improvetheir lives.”

Xingxing Wang

Two things guide EyobZerayesus in all thathe does: a strong faith

and a supportive family.“God is number one in my

life,” says the 20-year-old,who grew up in Columbus, Ohio, with three brothersand two sisters.

Three of theZerayesus siblings,including Eyob, aredeaf. Originally fromEritrea on the Africancontinent, Eyob’sfamily moved to theUnited States beforehe was born.

“I love my family,”says Eyob. “We’re allincredibly supportiveof one another.”

Watching his oldersiblings attend collegeinspired Eyob to pursuehigher education when hegraduated from high school.He chose RIT because of thequality academic programsand the opportunity tosocialize with deaf andhearing peers.

“RIT offers excellentservices for deaf students,”he says. “And, there aremany clubs andorganizations to beinvolved in.”

And, involved he is. Eyob plays intramuralsoccer, basketball, andvolleyball, and he managesan RIT women’s intramuralvolleyball team. He’s also a member of Hispanic DeafClub, Ebony Club, and the Caribbean Deaf Club.In addition to his extra-curricular commitments,Eyob works part time for NTID’s Student Life Team as a CommunityStudent Advocate.

“I’m outgoing, and I liketo help people,” Eyob says of

his work.A love of math and

numbers led him to select an Accounting Technologymajor. Now in his secondyear of the program, Eyob,who is on the Dean’s List,plans to transfer into RIT’sBusiness Administrationprogram when he completes his Accounting Technology studies.

After college, he plans acareer in accounting andsomeday would like to starthis own accounting business.Eyob’s faith makes him veryconfident in his abilities andhis prospects for the future.

“I believe a person can doanything through God’spower,” he says.

Eyob Zerayesus by Pamela L. Carmichael

by Pamela L. Carmichael

10 FOCUS

On a bright, but cold Februaryday, NTID Instructor ScottBellinger is teaching a course on troubleshooting

automated systems. At the same moment, some 49

million miles from Bellinger’s classroom,NASA’s twin unmanned robotic roversroam the surface of Mars conductinggeological experiments.

While worlds apart, NASA’s roboticwonders on Mars and Bellinger and his students here on Earth are akin.

The common link is NTID’s newesttechnical degree program—AutomationTechnologies. The program is leadingthe way for deaf and hard-of-hearingstudents to move into new careerfrontiers as skilled robotics,semiconductor equipment, or processtechnicians working in a variety ofautomation environments.

“It’s no surprise that the trend inindustry is toward less human effortinvolved in completing a given task,”says Bellinger.

According to Associate Professor RonTill, chairperson of NTID’s Industrialand Science Technologies programs,increased competition is driving changesin the marketplace.

“As production of technical productsincreases, companies must update theirmanufacturing facilities to meet thedemands of the market,” Till says. “Asmore and more sophisticated systems are brought online, technicians withadvanced skills to support these systemswill be in much greater demand.”

Forecasters at the Bureau of LaborStatistics project that technicianpositions in engineering, science,semiconductor, and related servicesectors will increase between 10 and 35 percent by 2010. Over the same

who install, troubleshoot, repair, andupgrade automated systems and their components.

“Studies in applied robotics can appeal to students who enjoy working as technicians on the controls andsystems side of high-tech manufacturingcompanies,” says NTID Instructor Ben Magee.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)graduates in Automation Technologies,with a concentration in Applied Robotics, may enter the workforce aftergraduation or apply to other colleges of RIT to earn a bachelor’s degree infields such as ManufacturingEngineering Technology or ComputerIntegration Manufacturing Technology.

Semiconductor TechnologyA second option available to students in NTID’s Automation Technologiesprogram is Semiconductor Technology.Students who select this option takemany of the same courses offered in thefirst year of the Applied Robotics option.

In the second year, and closer tograduation, Semiconductor Technologystudents focus their plan of study toinclude courses in vacuum and RF(radio frequency) technology, chemistry,and semiconductor tooling.

Because of the cross-disciplinarytraining they receive in electrical,computer, mechanical andsemiconductor technologies, A.O.S.graduates can enter the workforce assemiconductor maintenance, process, or production technicians.

These jobs, according to the Bureauof Labor Statistics, are some of thefastest growing occupations requiring an associate degree.

Students also may continue theirstudies in RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering Bachelor of Sciencedegree program in MicroelectronicEngineering—the only program in the United States to provide highlyeducated and skilled engineers withcutting-edge knowledge of thesemiconductor industry.

In addition to computers andtelecommunication devices,semiconductors are integrated intoappliances, machinery, and vehicles.

“There’s a growing demand for

timeframe, jobs in these fields thatrequire associate degrees like thoseoffered in NTID’s AutomationTechnologies program, will have thefastest growth—32 percent.

“NTID’s new degree programs inAutomation Technologies will allowstudents to capitalize on the trend,” says Bellinger. “They will be preparedfor new, high-technology careers at companies making automatedsystems, and at companies that utilize automated systems in theirmanufacturing processes.”

First-year Automation Technologiesstudent Armin Mujkanovic was amongthe first students to select the newdegree program offered at NTID.

“When I was young, I was interested in electronics and the telephone,” saysMujkanovic. “I wondered how and whereall those lines were connected. Today, Ilike big electronics and robot machines.When I graduate, I will find a good jobwith a big company in this field.”

Applied RoboticsOne of the options available to studentsenrolled in the Automation Technologiesprogram is Applied Robotics.

First-year courses provide afoundation in mathematics, physics,electromechanical devices, systems, and robotic fundamentals. Studentslearn about electronics, circuits, andelectromechanical devices as well aspneumatic and hydraulic systems.

Second-year robotics students delveinto automated systems, programmingand advanced robotics. To completetheir associate degree, students takeadvanced courses in automated systemintegration and troubleshooting.

NTID’s Associate of OccupationalStudies (A.O.S.) graduates typically enterthe workforce as robotics technicians,

Welcome to Robo-Lab

Views from Robo-Lab NTID InstructorPaul Stropko (standing center in photo atright) briefs students (left to right) JoshuaFalacho, Adam Munder, and Derek Watsonon tasks they will perform on the lab'spneumatic systems trainer. Instructor BenMagee (standing left in photo at far right)and student David Yim examine elementsof the flexible assembly cell in the lab.

by Frank A. Kruppenbacher

FOCUS 11

Robo FactsOnce depicted only in comic books andscience fiction movies, robots and robotictechnologies are in use today for tasksdeemed too dirty, dangerous, difficult,repetitive, or dull for humans. Withoutrobotics, some mining, deep sea andspace exploration, and toxic wastecleanup, among other hazardous tasks,would not be possible. Recent breakthroughsinclude robots that mimic the human gaitand robots that are used in minimallyinvasive surgical procedures.

Semiconductors are wafer-thin slices of silicon with layers of microscopicelectronic circuitry. They enable a myriadof microelectronic, optoelectronic, andwireless devices, including powerfulpersonal computers, small and convenientcellular telephones and pagers, andaccurate global positioning devices.Automated manufacturing devices thatoperate using semiconductors help tomanufacture precision technical productsthat also contain semiconductors.

semiconductor laboratory and classroom facilities.

“IBM is excited to support theAutomation Technologies program atNTID,” says William Strachan, programdirector for technical recruiting at IBM’sThomas J. Watson Research Center inYorktown Heights, N.Y. “We believe thatwell-educated individuals in career areasrelated to automation technologies will be increasingly in demand and highlysought after for their high-tech skills and knowledge.”

Strachan’s positive forecast for thefuture is encouraging to first-yearAutomation Technologies student JoshFalacho, and several of his classmates,who toured IBM’s computer chipfabrication plant in East Fishkill, N.Y., in March 2004.

“I want to thank IBM for letting uscome in and see for ourselves,” saysFalacho. “I learned a lot about what asemiconductor is and how they are made.The whole process is very impressive, andI want to continue learning more about it.”

First-year Automation Technologiesstudent Adam Munder agrees.

“I’m fascinated by automated processes,”he says. “Applied robotics is just the kindof career field I want to work in.”

Automation Technologies students DerekWatson (left) and Adam Munder (center) learnabout direct current (DC) motors and their role inautomated manufacturing devices from NTIDInstructor Ben Magee. Low-tech DC motors providemuch of the horsepower for high-tech automatedmanufacturing devices and systems.

semiconductors,” says NTID InstructorPaul Stropko. “The field is full of excitingcareers for anyone who likes electronics,physics, mathematics, and chemistry. Ourgoal is to make sure our graduates are well-positioned to compete in these careers.”

Students Converging on New CareersAlong with Automation Technologies,NTID’s Industrial and ScienceTechnologies degree programs haveevolved to include Computer AidedDrafting Technology, Computer IntegratedMachining Technology, LaboratoryScience Technology, and Applied Optical Technology.

“Convergence, or the blending ofscience, information technologies,engineering and telecommunications,opens new career fields for skilledindividuals,” Till says. “This increases jobsfor technicians, engineers, and scientists.At the same time, the need fortechnological skills influences almostevery occupation.”

IBM, a leader in automationtechnologies, partners with NTID toprovide a smart and skilled workforce for high-tech industries. In addition to a$3,000 grant, IBM has donated variouspieces of equipment for students to use in NTID’s Automation Technologies

NTID's semiconductor lab Studentsin clean-room garments work with asemiconductor-processing machine. ■

■

12 FOCUS

Most of us have seen someversion of Frankenstein. You know the story. Thelightning strikes. Thunder

rumbles. The creature moves, and Dr.Frankenstein screams, “It’s alive!” Someof the challenges of performing thisclassic seem obvious: finding a tall,hulking actor for the lead role, creatingspecial effects and setting the laboratoryscene. Staging the production using theskills and talents of nearly 100 deaf,hard-of-hearing and hearing studentsadds other challenges.

“Our staging is different than that ofan all-hearing production,” says Jim Orr,outreach coordinator for NTID’sPerforming Arts Department, and theauthor and director of The Rage ofFrankenstein, an original work based on characters from Mary Shelley’sFrankenstein, performed this past winterat NTID. “Because the actors in ourplays use sign language, they have to beable to see each other at all times, andbecause most audience members aredeaf, they need to be able to see theactors signing as well. And, the stagemanagement, set design and costumes

all have to be sign language friendly.” Accomplishing all that means

taking advantage of technology. We’ve all seen movies where stage managersbark out orders to actors and stage crew.Backstage at NTID, a creative use ofexisting technology and some specialequipment and techniques allow stagemanagers and crew to get the job donewhile communicating in sign language,and using visual cues for actors and for crew members who make lightingand sound adjustments.

Joe Hamilton, scene shop foremanand an NTID alumnus, says, “Becauseof the improvements in technology andbecause of our creative use of it, we’vebeen able to increase the number ofdeaf and hard-of-hearing students whocan work backstage to make theproduction happen. We actually havecreated our own technology, startingwith buying standard TV monitors andpositioning them for differentoperations around the stage.”

The crew sets up a series of TVmonitors and small “spy cameras” infour locations: backstage, in the lightingbooth, in the “green room” whereperformers await their cues, and in thedressing rooms. Using the cameras andone of the monitors, everyone can seewhat is happening on stage. On another

By Kathy A. Johncox

Technology Rules in NTID Performing Arts

monitor they also can see the stagemanager who is positioned in front ofone of the backstage cameras. The stagemanager signs into the camera, whichdisplays him or her on monitors at allthe locations. This allows the manager toinstruct each member of the stage crewat his or her assigned position, includingthe lighting and sound technicians, inreal time from backstage. The stage crewcan use cameras to respond back to thestage manager with questions orcomments about what’s happening.

“Now that technology has advancedin a way we couldn’t have predicted, we definitely are tapping into it,” saysOrr. “We have lighting controlled bycomputer software that we can pre-program to turn circuits on and off. Wehave deaf and hard-of-hearing studentsrunning sound and lighting because theycan get a visual readout of sound andlighting levels, or use their high-techhearing aids to help do the job.”

Darren Hansen, a first-year studentfrom Petaluma, Calif., who uses hearingaids, controls the environment in DoctorFrankenstein’s laboratory. From thesound booth, Darren regulates therolling thunder and the sounds of thecreature’s rage. His hearing aid is directlyconnected into the bank of compactdiscs loaded with the sound effects for

It’s Alive!

Creating a monsterZilvanis Paludneviciusreceives the finishing toucheson his monster make-up.

FOCUS 13

the production.“I can get sound directly into my

hearing aid with no background noise or interference. A hearing aid alone cansometimes distort sound, but when I usethe equipment, the sound I hear is clearand undistorted, which allows me tomake better sound adjustments.

“This is the first time I’ve ever beenthe sound operator for a live productionwith an audience,” Darren continues.“Alan Will, the lighting instructor in mytheater class, offered me the opportunityto work on this production, and I reallyhave enjoyed being a part of it. It hasallowed me to explore different careerfields I have never really thought aboutbefore. And, it’s a real pleasure to hearthe audience applaud after the show.”

The NTID Performing Arts staffrecently purchased and customized acomputerized lighting system upgrade to show NTID productions in the best light (pun intended). Lightingtechnicians now can model on thecomputer exactly how they want thelighting to appear and get a printout of proper light fixture locations toachieve the desired effect.

“As students graduate and participatein other productions, they find they areusing as good or better equipment hereas they would in any other theater,” says

Hamilton. “We’re very proud of what wehave going here.”

“Our specialty at NTID really is thetechnical end of theater,” adds Orr. “Asstudents like Darren participate in ourproductions, they often get bitten by the theater bug and look for and findcareers in this field.”

NTID Performing Arts staff membershave made several other adaptations,lower tech, but equally as creative. Oneof these is the concept of creatingdifferent levels on the stage to give deafactors clear sightlines so they can seeeach other. In The Rage of Frankenstein,for instance, the parlor scene had twolevels and the laboratory scene hadthree. Students in performing artsclasses learn to construct multi-levelsets, anticipating how the actors andactresses will need to interact.

During rehearsals for some shows,the script is projected on a screen in thetheater. Each line is numbered, and thescript is presented in both English and anASL gloss or visual interpretation of thewords. Stage directions are visual, withdrawings in the script for clarification.

Finally, because NTID productionsare accessible to both deaf and hearingaudiences, hearing actors are utilized toprovide spoken dialogue. In The Rage ofFrankenstein production, the voice

actors sat in darkened balconies oneither side of the set, equipped withmonitors hooded to reduce the amountof light they emit. The voice actorsspoke the words that the deaf actors and actresses signed, always watchingthe signing performers, so they couldtime their spoken lines appropriately.

“We have to make appropriatetranslations, language to language andculture to culture,” says Orr, “And, werely on native ASL-users to make thosetranslations and serve as sign masters or coaches for the student actors.

“The same creative uses of technologyin The Rage of Frankenstein are used tosome degree for all NTID productions,with some adaptations depending on thestaging of the piece,” he adds.

“There are some communicationchallenges to mounting a productionthat combines deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing backstage crew and actors,but with the technology we’ve acquiredand adapted for our use, they are notinsurmountable,” Orr continues. “And,everyone rises to the occasion. Thestudents all know their roles and tasks.The technology comes together, thelights go down, the sound comes up and the show comes alive.”

Cameras Joe Hamilton, scene shop foreman, belowleft, and Jeremy Quiroga, a student in RIT’s College ofImaging Arts and Sciences, discuss staging as Quirogacommunicates with stage crew members out in the theater.Quiroga’s image on the monitor is visible to the crewmember on the left monitor, and she’s visible to Quirogaon the right monitor. The camera is the telescope-likeimplement between the monitors.

Lights With the push of a button, the computerized lightboardautomatically initiates pre-selectedlighting sequences to create thecavernous look to the laboratory.

Action Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory is staged at several levels with catwalks and stairs to give deaf andhard-of-hearing actors the ability to see each other as they communicate using sign language.

Sound Darren’s high-tech hearing aids connect to an FM system (the small square boxnear the top of the lightboard), a wireless,battery-powered assistive listening device with a microphone that broadcasts an FM signal to a receiver. In this case, the desired sound isdelivered directly to Darren’s hearing aid andresults in a stronger, clearer signal despitebackground noise. The soundboards arecalibrated, so he also visually can make theappropriate adjustments for thunder and other environmental sounds, if needed.

Reynaldo Llarena

Cinda LautenschlegarALUMNI PROFILES

by Frank A. Kruppenbacher

by Frank A. Kruppenbacher

14 FOCUS

Take a deep breath. Exhale. Repeat.

This essential human functionsustains our lives. Breathingoccurs so automatically that wehardly think about it. The air we breathe also is something that can be, and often is, taken for granted.

But, protecting the air peoplebreathe and ensuring it is cleanand healthy are concerns thatCinda Lautenschlegar (at left inphoto) does not take lightly.

“I work for clean air,” saysthe 1987 RIT/NTID MechanicalEngineering graduate. “As an airpollution control engineer forthe Connecticut Department ofEnvironmental Protection,Lautenschlegar writes permits,uncovers violations, and helpsindividuals, industries, and

organizations achievecompliance with air pollution regulations.

“When we issue a permit to a company, for example, it’s a highly technical and legallybinding document,”Lautenschlegar says. “Helpingmy team succeed with theircases gives me a great amountof satisfaction on the job.”

In her work, Lautenschlegarinteracts extensively with thepublic. She conducts site visits,attends hearings, and leadsoutreach classes to teach newregulatory program requirements.

“Sometimes an interpreterfacilitates communication,”says Lautenschlegar, “andsometimes that’s not an option.Regardless, everyone isaccountable for communication—including me.

“When I encountersurprise, or skepticism, oran unwillingness fromothers to work with mebecause I’m deaf,”Lautenschlegar explains,“I tell them they can workwith me or they can workwith no one. My bossesback me up on this, too.”

Lautenschlegarcredits her family forher confidence andpassion for quality in her careerand her life, her fascinationwith science, and her decisionto attend RIT/NTID.

“When my family and Ivisited RIT, it was a no-brainer,” says Lautenschlegar.“I wanted a technicaleducation, and RIT had anexcellent reputation. I receivedan excellent education there.

“I wanted a career with newfrontiers to learn about, and that’swhere I’m at right now,” addsLautenschlegar. “I’m learningabout the companies I writepermits for, and, as the lawschange, I learn all of the newair pollution regulations. It’s adynamic field. I really enjoy it.”

Project EngineeringSpecialist ReynaldoLlarena’s work is out of

this world—literally.At Boeing Electron

Dynamics Devices, Inc., inTorrance, Calif., the 1982Electromechanical Technologygraduate develops automated

test software forcommunicationsatellites orbiting the Earth.

As he works on processes andcomponents of acomplex switch matrix for thermalvacuum testing inspace, Llarena’s nearly 20 years in high-technology

environments in the aerospaceindustry are in sharp contrastto challenges from his youth.

“I was born hearing inHavana, Cuba, in 1957,” saysLlarena. “My parents wereuneducated and our family wasvery poor. I became deaf at agefive after falling off a horse.”

At age 12, Llarena and hisfamily escaped from communist

Cuba and came to the UnitedStates. By age 16, he was amember of a street gang inMiami, Fla., expelled fromschool, and unable tounderstand English.

“Around that time, I met a man who was studying tobecome a lawyer,” Llarenaremembers. “He told me that ifI didn’t go to college, I wouldn’tbe as successful as I could be.”

The law student befriendedLlarena, helping him studyEnglish and math. He earned aGED from a local communitycollege and entered NTID in 1977.

“My interest in science andengineering started when mybest friend asked me to helphim fix his car,” Llarena recalls.“We took the car apart tounderstand how it worked.

From cars, I moved on totoasters, refrigerators, airconditioners, heating systems,and electronic devices of all kinds.

“My studies at NTID helped me fully appreciate andunderstand all aspects of thefield I wanted to make into mycareer. I learned how to analyzewhat the problem was, designthe best solution, and apply it.”

Llarena says the key to hissuccess is pushing his ownlimits to continually learn more and work harder.

“I had a lot of things goingagainst me early in my life—poverty and a lack of educationand guidance,” says Llarena.“But, I beat the odds. If you havea strong desire to accomplishgreat things, you will.”

Women who need financial assistance when enrolling in NTID’s Master of Science program in SecondaryEducation of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing(MSSE), soon will be able to get help from a friend. Doris

Wilson Blanchard has established an endowed scholarship to aid deaf andhard-of-hearing women in the MSSE program who are preparing to teachscience and math to deaf children.

Blanchard, a deaf woman, was a laboratory chemist for nearly 14 years and then taught science at Lexington School for the Deaf for 16 years before she retired. Of her interest in science, she says, “I guess it’s in my genes. My father was a chemical engineer and was very interested in research and development, and my grandfather was a professor of astronomy and math.”

“There’s a growing demand for qualified math and science teachers,”says Gerry Batemen, NTID professor and director of the MSSE program.“Mrs. Blanchard’s scholarship will recognize deserving young deaf andhard-of-hearing women who, like her, will be role models for the youngwomen they will teach. Our deep appreciation goes to Mrs. Blanchard forpassing on her love of science and math to the next generation of teachers.”

Recipients of the Doris Blanchard Scholarship must be enrolled in theMSSE program, be in good academic standing with at least a 3.0 gradepoint average, and demonstrate financial need.

Blanchard has a long history of supporting other NTID scholarshipfunds and this year, decided to create a scholarship of her own.

Anyone can endow a scholarship in his or her own name, or in honorof a loved one, with pledges that can be paid over a period of five years.If you have questions about how to set up a scholarship fund, contactEliza Coyle at 585-475-6222 (voice/TTY) or at eacnce@rit.edu.

kind. The foundation’s $65,000 investment to help develop this innovative tool for ASLlearning and practice has made it possible for thousands of students, teachers, stateagencies, colleges, universities, schools for the deaf, libraries and school districts to haveaccess to this unique resource. The guidehelps learners gain a true understanding of ASL by linking thousands of signs tosentences that illustrate how the meaning ofsigns change in context. Created by a teamled by Geoff Poor, coordinator, NTID Officeof Communication Assessment Services, thisguide has realized great success nationwide.

“It’s gratifying to see that the enthusiasmfor the CD is shared by so many different

groups of people—ASL and interpretingstudents, their teachers,and ASL linguists,” says Poor. “When I

The Carl and Lily PforzheimerFoundation makes great thingshappen. Since its establishment inNew York in 1942 by members of

the Pforzheimer family, the foundation hasbeen a strong supporter of educational andcultural programs, public administration, andhealth care. Because of its interests in adulteducation, basic literacy skills, reading,language, linguistics and higher education,the foundation responded when NTID needed assistance with a unique language-focused project.

NTID’s American Sign Language (ASL)Video Dictionary and Inflection Guide onCD-Rom is the first and only product of its

demonstrate the CD at a conference orconvention, there is always a moment when Ican see that people realize they have to haveone. It confirms my belief that there is adefinite need for this type of information inthis unique format.”

In recognizing the need and supportingthis project, the Pforzheimer Foundation ismaking it possible for many educators in the field of sign language to have the guide as a resource.

Pforzheimer FoundationSupports New Product

FOCUS 15

NTID—An Outstanding Investment

Reflections of the Artist: Paintings by Ned Behnke 1976-1989, arecent exhibit in the Joseph F. and Helen C. Dyer Arts Center,featured a collection of paintings by one of RIT/NTID’s own.Born deaf in 1948, Behnke began to paint at a very young age.He received a bachelor’s degree from Central WashingtonUniversity and his Master of Fine Arts degree from RIT.

Art critics considered Behnke an innovator with colors, usingthem to create an illusion of depth within confined spaces. Hispainting, Mirror in Back, included in the Dyer Arts Center exhibit,won the prestigious Finger Lakes Exhibition Juror’s Award in1975. He was considered one of the most exciting and up-and-coming artists in the New York area, and after returning to hishometown, Seattle, he continued to paint and widely exhibit his work. He died in 1989 at age 40.

Pictured above with Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz (left), RIT vicepresident and dean for NTID, are Behnke’s mother, Sally Behnke,his niece, Marisa, and his brother, John, who visited NTID in Aprilto celebrate Behnke’s life with his friends, teachers, and mentors,and to participate in the opening reception for the exhibit.

“We are grateful for the Behnke family’s generosity in makingthis exhibit available,” said Hurwitz. “We truly appreciate theopportunity to exhibit Ned’s work for our students and theRochester community to see and enjoy.”

Reflections of the Artist

A New Scholarship for Women

by Kathy A. Johncox

American Sign LanguageVideo Dictionaryand Inflection Guide©

16 FOCUS

flexible workspace for customizednotetaking and highlighting, and theability to search through an entireacademic quarter’s worth of class noteswith a click of a mouse.

Students can download the notesfrom the Web and access them through their own computer or via aserver/Web site, which will providecentral storage for class notes for theacademic year.

NTID, which last year provided itsstudents more than 54,000 hours ofnotetaking, has been testing the betaversion of the new software, providingimportant feedback to Microsoft.

“I’m excited to be a part of thisstudy,” says Kevin Adams, a fourth-yearMarketing student and a notetaker whohas been testing OneNote in a BusinessLaw class. “I especially like thecapabilities of adding color, andintegrating the instructor’s PowerPoint®

presentations directly into the notes.This technology allows for a muchmore effective and speedy approach for everyone.”

Testing will be completed thissummer, and OneNote should beavailable on a limited basis beginningthis fall.

Life soon will get a lot easierfor deaf and hard-of-hearingstudents at RIT who relyprimarily on their eyes to

receive information. Unable to lookdown to write notes from a lecturebecause they would miss the professor’snext few sentences, many deaf studentsrely on the some 400 notetakers RITemploys to help make classroominformation more accessible.

Notetakers usually are other RITstudents who have been speciallytrained to take notes for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the sameclass. They deliver the notes to acoordinator, who scans them and laterposts them on the Web.

But, now, thanks to a partnershipbetween NTID and Microsoft, hundredsof students soon will receive the notesthey need instantly.

“True to NTID fashion, we are at the cutting edge with new technology,and we’re excited to be working withMicrosoft at the ground level of atotally new product,” said Dr. T. AlanHurwitz, RIT vice president and deanfor NTID.

The new product is Microsoft®

Office OneNote™, a new digitalnotetaking program. With the abilityto function on a desktop, laptopcomputer or Tablet PC, the programhas innovative features such as a

Notetaking Goes High TechBy Karen E.M. Black

Thanks to a partnership between NTID and

Microsoft, hundreds of students soon will

receive the notes they need instantly.

Taking Notes RIT Marketing student and notetaker Kevin Adams, center, tests new notetakingtechnology in class. The new system soon will give deaf and hard-of-hearing students immediateaccess to class notes.

18M-0781-7/04-TUK©2004 Rochester Institute of TechnologyAll Rights Reserved

Sharing Tips on Business Success A partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Division of TaxpayerEducation and Communication, and the New York State (NYS) Department of Taxation and Finance Taxpayer Outreach Service, and the NTID Business Careers Department resulted in a series of five free workshops designed especially for deaf and hard-of-hearing entrepreneurs who own or who are hoping to start their own businesses. The workshops, which focused on planning for,starting, and operating a small business, concluded in January with a panel discussion featuring successful deaf business owners.Pictured here are (back row, left to right) Louis J. Schwarz, CEO of Schwarz Financial Concepts; Richard Morris, ’83, CEO ofReal World Success; David Michalowski, ’89, CEO of DM Multimedia; Mark Pfuntner, ’89, ’97, NTID Business Careers instructor;Robert Rice, ’94, ’97, president and managing partner of BayFirst Solutions, LLC; and, (front row) Karen Villa, senior taxspecialist for the IRS; Dr. William Rudnicki, NTID Business Careers chairperson; and Suzanne Reusch, outreach/problemresolution officer for the Taxpayer Service and Revenue Division of the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance.

Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDRochester, NY

Permit 626

Rochester Institute of TechnologyNational Technical Institute for the Deaf Lyndon Baines Johnson Building52 Lomb Memorial DriveRochester, NY 14623-5604

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Collection of Carvings NTID recentlyreceived a collection of hand-carved and hand-painted birds from the estate of Mildred F. Hall, alongtime friend of RIT and NTID. The birds werecreated by Mrs. Hall’s husband, Silvanus G. Hall,who studied graduate-level art at RIT in the 1970s.He became a member of the National WoodCarvers Association, and for four years, his birdswon awards at the International Wood CarversCongress. The collection is on permanent exhibitacross from the Dyer Arts Center in NTID’s Lyndon Baines Johnson Building.