Abstract

In 1985, 145 postsecondary institutions supported programs specifically for deaf students. Student enrollments, special services, types of programs and degree options at these programs are discussed in this paper. Enrollment patterns are compared with 1982 data, a time just prior to the enrollment in postsecondary programs of large numbers of rubella-deafened young people.

During the three years between 1982 and 1985, 37 new programs for deaf students appeared. Gallaudet University, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology and the regional programs which are also federally-funded absorbed the majority of the 1982-1985 enrollment increases. Availability of support services was directly related to the size of enrollments at the programs for deaf students. The authors also found deaf students are more likely to attend postsecondary programs full time than are their hearing peers.

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