Regional, National, and International Outreach

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The Regional, National, and International Outreach (RNIO) was created because Gallaudet University plays a critical role in furthering national and global competence, understanding, and partnership in leadership and education for deaf and hard of hearing people. Gallaudet, with its broad range of programs, enabling it to combine academic understanding of the broader world with professional practice and civic engagement, is striving to be in the forefront of national and international education initiatives for deaf people and professionals.

RNIO Mission

The mission of RNIO is to advance the intellectual, social, linguistic and economic vitality of deaf and hard of hearing people through educational outreach and leadership development programs at the regional, national, and international level.

We initiate, lead, and support outreach efforts by providing resources, consultation, and training to improve the educational opportunities, career success, and quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing people. We foster opportunities for collaborative relationships between Gallaudet, other educational institutions, government and non-profit agencies.

Recognizing that deaf leadership and participation are critical to sustainable and positive change, all outreach efforts are conducted with respect for local deaf communities, their languages and histories.

In addition to these efforts, our Gallaudet Regional Centers (GURCs) offer extension courses, training workshops, and technical assistance to address the educational needs of deaf and hard of people from birth through adulthood.

RNIO also oversees the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS).

RNIO Strategic Goals for International Outreach:

Education and Professional Development: Enhance the quality of life for deaf and hard of hearing people through programs that support full access to education, indigenous sign language and interpreter training, leadership training, teacher training and promoting cultural arts.

Excellence in Outreach Work: Provide support, framework and guidance for Gallaudet faculty and staff to conduct international educational outreach projects, fostering cross-departmental collaboration and exchange of resources and models of successful outreach.

International Catalyst: Serve as an international catalyst for change by promoting dialogue on deaf self-determination and the interconnected relationship of deaf people despite differences of language, race, religion and national boundaries.

Information Dissemination: Encourage the open exchange of ideas at meetings and conferences and share University materials on language access, literacy training, and other factors relating to education. Develop and maintain a database for international outreach work serving deaf communities.

International Alliance: Foster relationships with governmental and non-governmental organizations, universities, and world, national, and regional organizations of deaf people to serve country-specific educational and training needs in order to create equal and just societies where deaf and hard of hearing people have access to quality education, employment opportunities, and all the rights the society offers.

RNIO Regional, National, and International Outreach:

Educational and Professional Development. Support the educational and professional goals of deaf and hard of hearing people and the professionals who work with them by providing training, workshops, conferences, extension courses, and cultural art.

Role of outreach: Serve as broker and liaison for Gallaudet University.

Academic Excellence for Deaf Students. Highlight the talents of deaf and hard of hearing students that is consistent with the academic rigor expected by Gallaudet University through regional and national Academic Bowl competitions.

Role of outreach: Serve as event planner, manager, and regional recruiter for Gallaudet University.

Local/Regional Alliance. Initiate and foster relationships with deaf and hard of hearing students and their families, schools and agencies serving deaf and hard of hearing students in order to address individual, local, and regional needs.

Role of outreach: Serve as Gallaudet University's ambassador at the local, regional and national level.

Information Dissemination. Share resources from Gallaudet University in order to improve the accessibility and quality of education, sign languages and leadership skills.

Role of outreach: Serve as the local/regional resource center for deaf-related information.

For more information, please contact us at internationaloutreach@gallaudet.edu.