College Resources

Doncaster College for the Deaf was formed as a further education department in the 1970s from the Yorkshire Residential School for the Deaf, now known as Doncaster School for the Deaf, established in 1829. The department rapidly grew to achieve College status in the mid-80s. It is now recognised as one of the leaders in deaf education and training both nationally and internationally. The centre of excellence provides post-16 vocational training for deaf people and those with additional complex needs. The College is located on its own purpose-built campus, with facilities designed to reflect the real work environment across a wide range of industries and occupations. Provision is tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.

Support, Information, Guidance Network

(SIGN) Centre

A trained and motivated team of Student Support Workers (SSWs) offers special skills for counselling deaf people. Each student is encouraged to develop independence, with the assistance of his or her nominated Key Worker. Staff are on-hand to offer help in, for example, form-filling, benefits and allowances, health issues and a wide range of relevant topics.

Driving Lessons

Driving lessons are very popular with the students, especially the additional theory sessions that are also available to the public. Many of our students have been able to compete successfully in the jobs market, thanks in part to the driving licence they gained at Doncaster College for the Deaf.

Benefits

College policy is aimed firmly at assisting and enabling all students to have sufficient funds during their time at college. Students are helped to claim all the benefits they are entitled to, via the appropriate external agencies. Regular income encourages students to plan their budgets and extend their life skills by managing personal finances. Positive support systems at the College help students use their income sensibly. One of the main aims of the service is to eliminate some of the stresses of everyday life for students and help them to control some aspects of their private lives that might otherwise affect their course work. SIGN staff have also established networks with outside agencies nationwide and these provide valuable links when dealing with, for example, more mature students who may have left a family back home and need to resolve day-to-day issues. For those students who wish to settle in a different area on completion of their training, staff can use their contacts to set up appointments and arrange the next steps.

College Staff

The College employs fully-qualified Teachers of the Deaf and specialist vocational tutors, all of whom are trained in communication skills. Special focus is given to promoting awareness and understating of how British Sign Language is developed in the deaf community and all members of staff are trained to a level of competence – CACDP Level 2 in British Sign Language. The staff include some teachers who themselves are deaf, deaf assistants and deaf community workers.

Qualifications

Students have the opportunity to achieve a full range of national external qualifications including NVQs and GNVQs and GCSE AS Levels and A-Levels. Single subject qualifications are offered within the vocational areas.

Medical Care

Health education and awareness feature strongly in the College's medical service. On-campus medical facilities include a qualified nurse supported by a College Medical Officer for additional advice and treatment. Self-help with minor ailments is encouraged among all students, and every effort is made to help students to continue their studies within College whenever possible.

Audiology

A full service is provided for students, including hearing test, hearing-aid evaluation, and counselling on hearing-aid use and care. Ear mould impressions may be taken, and hearing-aids checked and maintained on site.

Total Communication

Our College operates within a Total Communication environment, with students free to choose their preferred method of communication. Students receive tuition through a combination of speech and sign language to permit maximum acquisition of language and to allow students to gain confidence in their communication skills. All students are encouraged to develop speech skills and to use them as often as possible.