The Institute for the Deaf at Tianjin University of Science and Technology is the first special higher education technology institute for deaf people in China, and the fourth of its kind in the world. Since its founding 18 years ago, over 400 students have graduated from here.
The institute now provides two bachelor’s degree programs, which are Computer Science and Technology, and Art Design in Fashion. Presently, there are over 300 deaf students from some 20 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions.
Based on the study on deaf students’ cognitive structure and thinking patterns, the institute has set up the goal of nurturing “competitive professional people who are well-balanced in their development of knowledge, competence and moral making and who are self-esteemed, self-confident, self-empowered and self-reliant and able to participate in social competitions” in the principle of equality, participation and sharing.
The institute has achieved a break-through in traditional conservative special education in China, attaching importance to an “integrating and involving” educational environment, letting ordinary students and special students share same living environment and extra curriculum activities. Only during classroom environment are special teaching methods adopted for students with hearing impairment. As a result, the deaf students are able to integrate and involve into the mainstream society emotionally and mentally. Based on the psychological characteristics of this group, the institute has also adopted a Grade Credit System, and encourages competent special students to study a second major. At present, among the graduates in two years, 3 students have successfully finished their second-major study, and achieved diploma in Engineering and Management. Moreover, more than 20 students are presently taking courses in other majors, and there are students passing CET 4 Test every year.
The institute has established favorable inter-college relationship with internationally renowned institutes of special education such as National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) of America and Tsukuba College of Technology (TCT) of Japan. Sponsored by Sasakawa Foundation, the institute has established PEN-International Project with the above institutes in joint efforts.
Supported by the PEN Project, the institute has also sent altogether over 20 teachers to run cooperative projects, receive training and have communication with NTID and TCT, and has received visiting deaf teachers and students from Japan and America. Both of its education and teaching are well connected with the rest of the world.
The cultivation of comprehensive competence has enabled the deaf students to develop in an all-around manner. They have won both domestic and international awards in dancing and sports: the dance Blossom won the first prize on the First National College Student Art Exhibition; and the dance Happy Every Year won the first prize on the National Cultural or Art Competition of People with Disabilities.
The institute has attracted great attention since its opening, and has been reported by several major domestic media. On September 8th, 2008, CCTV Prime-Time News made a detailed report about the institute and its unique education characteristics.
