Tia-Nikki Ivanko, M.S., NIC, ADAC
Co-Director at the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)
Keynote: Nurturing Skills Deaf Youth Need to Thrive – Today, Tomorrow, & Beyond
Deaf individuals’ expectations about their abilities and future attainment are shaped early on in their lives. Beliefs and perceptions about their potential are nurtured by family interactions, school experiences, and community engagement. Research evidence summarized by the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes suggests that factors including high expectations, self-determination, and access to role models are components deaf youth need to navigate education and future employment successfully. Families, parents, educators, and communities significantly contribute to the expectations and beliefs deaf youth hold about themselves and their future. Join Co-Director, Tia Ivanko to explore strategies that cultivate and strengthen skills deaf youth need to thrive today, tomorrow, and beyond
Bio:
Tia Ivanko is an educator passionate about addressing inequities in education for learners who are systematically and historically marginalized. She is committed to increasing individual and organizational ability to provide equitable and accessible programs and services for deaf people. Currently, Tia is a Co-Director at the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC). She co-manages the organization using her experience in education settings, accessibility expertise, community relationships, and personal interest in diversity, inclusion, and equity to promote NDC’s mission.
Tia has now worked under this federal funding line for three cycles, concentrating on accommodation and accessibility practices, and innovative professional development for practitioners in the field. Before joining the grant, she worked as a deaf services coordinator at a community college, collegiate program director, and a teacher of the deaf.
Raised on the east coast and now living in Texas, Tia has been connected with deaf people since her childhood. She earned her master’s degree in Deaf Education from Western Maryland College and her bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College. In fact, started her career teaching position at Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in 2001. When she is not working, you will likely find Tia spending time with her family and friends to savor life’s moments that fade all too fast.