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SALISBURY, MD---As populations of deaf and hard of hearing individuals on the Eastern Shore continue to rise there is a growing need for professionals with the skills and knowledge to help support and expand resources in these communities.

Salisbury University students have the opportunity to become more qualified to serve these populations thanks to a new deaf studies minor in SU’s School of Social Work and Modern Languages and Intercultural Studies Department. 

“A deaf studies minor will help in the area of diversity and inclusion,” said Dr. Ellen Schaefer-Salins, assistant professor of social work, who oversees the new minor. “Students will learn the culture and history of the deaf community, and they will learn a new and useful language that can help them in finding employment in the future.”

The minor, one of only two in the University System of Maryland, consists of current social work, modern languages and intercultural studies courses with the opportunity for new classes in the future as the program expands. It can be combined with any major at SU, as the program is designed to help students in all areas of interest who may use the skills in their careers. Popular pairings may include social work, psychology, nursing and education. 

 “The population of deaf people is increasing on Delmarva due to culturally deaf people retiring to communities around Bethany, Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City,” said Schaefer-Salins, who has been a mental health therapist in the deaf community for over 30 years. “There is a need for improved and accessible services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing in social work, mental health, medical services and more.” 

For more information call 410-543-6030 or view the deaf studies minor program page.