Several deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students from Alameda High, Encinal High, and Alameda Science & Technology Institute went on a field trip last month to San Francisco State University.

The group took a tour of the college and then met with staff from the Disability Programs and Resource Center to learn about what accommodations are available to college students with a hearing difference and how to advocate for those accommodations in the university setting.

While on their tour, students learned about the latest assistive technology that is available to provide better auditory access in the classroom, learned about advancements in speech-to-text for better note taking, and tried out a new free app called AVA for open captioning.

The field trip was financed through Alameda Education Foundation’s Mini Grant program. AEF receives donations to its Mini Grant from the community. The foundation then sent mini grants to Alameda Unified School District teachers Jessica Serrano, Mary Grace Basco and Jennifer Watt who were able to take the students on the field trip.

To donate to Teacher Mini Grants, visit www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4U6SPEE3QYL2L.