SDEAS Dean Ma. Veronica Templo-Perez
July 2010
The School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde empowers Deaf students to become productive members of society by imparting them with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in any field they choose. Dean Ma. Veronica Templo-Perez shares how the School does that, her inspirations in improving the learning environment of Deaf students, the programs she wants to accomplish during her term, and her thoughts about the future.
- What do you think is the most urgent need that the Deaf have? How is this being addressed by SDEAS?
The most urgent need of the Deaf is access to information. When we are informed, we are able to form opinions, make decisions, and act accordingly.
Most Deaf persons miss out on information because of the form that this takes. If information is given through speaking, it is frequently lost, unless of course there is an interpreter present to serve as a bridge in order for the Deaf person to receive the spoken information.
Written information can also be confusing particularly if it uses words not used everyday. Though not their fault, reading comprehension is a learning skill most Deaf persons are challenged with because their primary education has not given them the necessary reading skills. Most materials available for reading are something they will not understand.
Right now, SDEAS addresses this need through the interpreting services provided for most of the events and activities of the College. We are also working on some learning sessions that will help our Deaf personnel and students improve their reading comprehension and their written English. But admittedly, this is going to be very difficult for us in SDEAS.
- What are your top three goals for SDEAS that you’d like to see accomplished before the end of your term?
I only have two years left as Dean as SDEAS so I’d like to be realistic. My top three goals are: to offer a second degree program focused on Education for the Deaf; to establish an interpreting program that is recognized by the Deaf Community and which will produce effective interpreters, and for SDEAS to make headway in research on Deaf Education, Filipino Sign Language, and Deaf Studies.
- Do you think that there is a need for SDEAS to have a Dean who is Deaf? What is needed to have that happen? In that light, how could the College, especially its administrators prepare themselves in relating to a Deaf Dean?
Yes, definitely! I think having a Deaf Dean brings SDEAS full circle. I am excited at the prospect of having a Deaf leader setting direction and envisioning the future for SDEAS who will surely be driven by passion brought about by personal experience.
In order for that to happen, it is important that the current young Deaf faculty receive mentoring for them to develop as leaders in the academe. Of course the College will also have to be ready to provide access for every event. For example, offices and departments should always remember to request for interpreters, because there will be ad Deaf administrator present. For the administrators, the best way to prepare themselves for this eventuality is to learn how to sign.
- What are the greatest challenges that you have as the Dean of SDEAS?
One of the greatest challenges I face as the dean of SDEAS is creating an environment where both the Deaf and hearing members of the School feel valued, where an environment where communion in mission is a living value.
SDEAS is made up of a community of two groups of people with a different first language (signed and spoken) and with different cultures (Deaf and Hearing) and so at times we experience miscommunication and misunderstandings. Most of the time, one group feels less valued than the other, but every member of the SDEAS community is important – whether Deaf or Hearing. The challenge is how to translate this in our everyday interactions.
- Where and how do you get inspirations as the school’s Dean, on becoming one of the future builders for the Deaf community, if you can hear?
I get my inspirations from my interactions with the Deaf. I listen to their stories. From there, I take note of what needs to be done. Admittedly I cannot draw from my own experience in planning out Deaf Education, access services, and other such needs of the Deaf community because I can hear. But I can “listen” to what Deaf persons express. I can pay attention to their ideas and suggestions. I can also listen to other people who have worked with the Deaf Community longer than I have. I also read about Deaf issues from books, journal articles the internet. Hopefully, through these interactions, I get the bigger picture and make good decisions in bringing SDEAS forward, and become a contributor to the building of a strong Filipino Deaf Community.
