Program for Deaf Adults (PDA) can arrange to have sign languages interpreters for mainstream academic classes, mainstream continuing education classes, and other college activities or events. All requests for interpreters are placed through PDA's Coordinator of Interpreting Services

A note taker is a hearing student in your class who volunteers to take class notes for you. Either you or your teacher will request a note taker who is then sent to PDA to be trained.

A Captionist is trained to type spoken English, or to use automatic Speech Writing, that is visible to read on a laptop computer. Tha captionist will input the instructor's lecture, as well as notes, onto the laptop and make them available to you.

Assistive Listening devices can be available for loan to use in the classroom. One of the devices is called an FM system, which is a wireless, portable battery-operated device that sends speech to a receiver. The student wears the FM receiver unit and the instructor will use a microphone. This is to help students and reduce surrounding noises.

Tutors, who can communicate with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students, are available to assist students in their academic courses, and explain and clarify academic content and/or instructions to students. If you feel at any time you need a tutor, contact your academic counselor immediately.

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students who need more time to take their exams can request and receive extended-time testing accommodation in a separate and quiet environment. The academic counselor will explain the procedures to request this accommodation.

Academic Peer Instruction (API) is a peer-tutoring program available to small groups of students registered in the same difficult academic course to help them achieve success. The API leader works directly with you by attending classes and scheduling study group sessions to review coursework and address your question in a supportive environment.

Our Job Development Liaison, skilled in ASL and Signed English, is available to assist you with your job preparation skills such as identify and researching job opportunities, writing a resume, etc. Our liaison collaborates with LaGuardia's Employment & Career Services Center, CUNY LEADS Project, and external employment agencies.

A mentor provides a fellow student with an understanding and support of what it means to be a successful Deaf of Hard-or-Hearing college student. The mentor helps motivate and inspire you to achieve your academic goals and supports your vision of accomplishment in mainstream classes.

The Thomas Samuels Scholarship, awarded annually, is available to Deaf and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students enrolled in the academic degree program. While a GPA is a major factor in determining the recipient of the scholarship, you will also be asked to submit an essay about your personal and career goals, and letters of recommendation from academic or community references.