Advocacy and Leadership

“Change begins with one person, and only people
can change organizations.”

The Gerald "Bummy" Burstein Leadership Institute (BLI) is a comprehensive entity dedicated to improving the quality of the personal and professional lives of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through programming designed to enable them to reach their full potential in their chosen communities. BLI is committed to developing and enhancing the leadership abilities of individuals who administer programs and services in deaf-centric, non-profit and for-profit agencies and corporations. Using a multi-faceted approach to training and development, BLI provides an array of quality and innovative program offerings that incorporate engaged learning formats with a focus on experiential learning, problem solving, and transformation.

Consumer, Family and Community Advocacy Leadership (3)
A one-week training session for deaf and hard of hearing individuals and parents of deaf and hard of hearing children, focusing on improving the quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing consumers and their families. The training focuses on advocacy, as a process, and the tenets of effective advocacy efforts at the local, state, and national levels.
Class Number: PST 615
Tuition: $690 + $30 processing fee
Questions: cpso@gallaudet.edu


Deaf Women's Leadership Program (3 credits)
The Women's Leadership Program provides Deaf women with an invigorating environment for self-awareness, exploration, actualization and leadership development. The program also strives to improve the quality of the participants' lives through community engagement, service, and development. Training modules will be offered by nationally recognized Deaf female leaders who will engage the participants in learning how to effectively advocate for their causes and to develp the skills and self-confidence they need to follow through. In cooperation with Deaf Women United, participants will have the opportunity to continue exploring and developing leadership skills after the training session concludes.
Class Number:  PST 602
Tuition:  $690 + $30 processing fee
Questions: cpso@gallaudet.edu


Enhancing Deaf Education: Language Planning and Leadership (2 credits)
This project is designed to enhance the infusion of ASL/English language frameworks into the total schooling experience through collaborative language planning. The program is an adaptation of a research-based ASL/English bilingual staff development curriculum model that was developed, revised, and facilitated in 17 residential schools for the deaf in the United States from 1997 to the present. Instead of targeting classroom teachers, this staff development is aimed at key school administrators who, through planning and structuring the school-wide learning environment, can insure long-term development and change
Course Number: PST 630
Enrollment by invitation only
Questions: bli@gallaudet.edu


Grassroots Advocacy Training for International Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals (non-credit)
The Grassroots Advocacy Leadership Training for International Deaf and Hard of Hearing People is designed for developing skills among emerging and promising leaders from around the world. There are over 25 million deaf people living in developing and industrialized nations and in need for strong leadership. This workshop will provide extensive training in the areas of creative thinking, organizing dynamic forces and partnerships, collaborating with government and non-government agencies, and advocacy and empowerment. Participants will also have opportunities to interact with leaders and visit headquarters of national organizations. Workshop facilitators have international leadership experiences and will use a variety of activities to facilitate critical leadership skills development among program participants.
Class Number:  PST 618
Program fee:  $890 including room and board
Questions: bligrassroots@gallaudet.edu


Leadership Training in Theater Arts for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People of Color ( 3 credits)
The Gerald "Bummy" Burstein Leadership Institute and Professional Studies is offering an intensive 1-week leadership training in Theater Arts for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People of Color. Focus is on three distinct areas: (1) History of deaf theater and theater arts of color, (2) actors movements, and (3) play production. Program is designed specifically for deaf people of color, who are interested in leisure or professional participation in deaf theaters.
Course Number: PST 612
Tuition: $690 + $30 processing fee
Questions: cpso@gallaudet.edu


Project Management for Beginners (3 credits)
Project Management is a 3-credit course presented in a hybrid format using both face-to-face and online instruction. It is based on the philosophies, principles, and practices adopted by the Project Management Institute (PMI). As one of the fastest growing professional disciplines in North America, Project Management helps participants get a firm grip on an unwieldy workload by breaking it down into manageable steps. Program content will cover the requirements for certification in Project Management by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Course participants will develop knowledge and skills in project management, will be provided with the tools needed for preparing their organization to support the projects they manage, and will develop a real-life project management plan which can be used to manage projects in their professional and/or personal lives.
Class Number: PST 639
Tuition: $690 + $30 processing fee
Questions: cpso@gallaudet.edu


Socio-Cultural and Political Contexts of Early Education for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Children (3 credits)
This course addresses the educational, legislative, research and policy guidelines that shape early education programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families. Participants will consider social, familial, cultural, linguistic and ethical perspectives related to raising and educating young deaf children. Foundational concepts such as developmentally-appropriate practice, family/child-centered practices, language and communication planning, audism, cultural and linguistic diversity, and family/children's rights will be examined. Leadership strategies, including deaf and hearing partnerships and empowerment, in policy development, professional organizations and advocacy initiatives will be addressed.
Class Number: EDF 795/PST660
Tuition:  EDF 795: $1989;  PST 660: $690 + 30 processing fee
Questions: cpso@gallaudet.edu


A Systematic Approach to Assessment, Planning and Instructional Outcomes for Early Education (3 credits)
This course will provide a systematic approach to assessment, planning, and instruction in early education. Strategies and curriculum resources will be addressed that emphasize interdisciplinary, developmentally and individually appropriate and culturally responsive programming for young children and their families. Planning and instruction for both parent-child, family and center-based programs will be explored. Program and instructional approaches will address children and families with diverse backgrounds and abilities and hearing levels/status. The principles underlying the development of IFSP's and IEP's and how to maximize family involvement will be examined. Transition planning from early intervention to preschool and preschool to kindergardten will include strategies and resources to support learning in fully accessible language and learning environments. A significant component of the course is required participation in an early education program, professional development workshop and/or professional level advisory meeting addressing program policies, assessment and/or programming issues for deaf and hard of hearing children and their families.
Class Number:  EDF 795/PST663
Tuition:  EDF 795: $1989;  PST 663: $690 + 30 processing fee
Questions: cpso@gallaudet.edu