Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The Program for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing is
located in the College Community Center:
Academic Advisement Room 100A
Camden County College
P.O. Box 200
Blackwood, New Jersey 08012
Telephone: 856-227-7200 ext. 4506 (V/TTY)
(856)-374-5003 (FAX)

Meet the Program Staff
Resources for Faculty
Resources for Students
On-line Notetaker Training

Successful Graduates

Felicia Williams On May 13, 2009, Camden County College presented its Brian C. Shomo Memorial Scholarship to an outstanding deaf student. Felicia Ann Williams proudly accepted the scholarship of $500 during a ceremony attended by hundreds of students, faculty, donors, and distinguished guests. Students receiving scholarships met with their donors before the ceremony at a reception held in the Atrium of the College’s new Connector Building. Brian Shomo established the scholarship in his name when he worked as transition counselor at Camden County College’s MidAtlantic Postsecondary Center in May of 2002. Later, when Mr. Shomo left the College to take a position as director of the New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Trenton, he continued to present the scholarship. Brian passed away in June of 2006, and now each year the scholarship is awarded in his memory to a minority student who is deaf or hard of hearing and attending Camden County College. Students who are Native American, Asian American, African American, or Hispanic and who produce good academics; show potential and leadership qualities; and participate in school and community activities may be considered for the scholarship. This year Brian’s sister, Inice Shomo Hennessy, and brother, Keith Shomo, traveled several hours to attend the scholarship ceremony, which was held in the College’s Truman Courtyard under a formal tent. Inice presented the scholarship to Felicia on stage. Felicia was nominated for the scholarship based on her outstanding academic performance and community involvement. Felicia graduated on May 16 with her associate in arts degree in deaf studies and will attend Gallaudet University in the fall to begin her baccalaureate work in Deaf Studies. For more information or to make a donation to the Brian C. Shomo Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, contact the Camden County College Office of Foundation & Alumni Relations at (856) 374-4946.

Wilfrido Melendez (automotive program) When Wilfrido Melendez graduated from the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf in Trenton, he wanted a career in the computer industry. He entered CCC and decided to switch his major. “I entered the automotive program,” said Melendez. “I knew it was what I wanted to do. My teachers were great and motivated me to do well.” Melendez, the first in his family to earn a college degree, has entered a unique field in the auto industry; he rebuilds Rolls Royce cars. “I really enjoy working on these classic cars,” said Melendez. “To me the newer cars are more complicated, everything is so tight. Besides, I have really big hands, so I can’t maneuver them around inside the newer cars,” he jokes. Asked if he owns a Rolls Royce, the 25-year-old smiles and says, “No, I drive a Honda Civic.” Melendez, a Camden City resident, said the education he received was “outstanding,” adding there are several teachers instrumental in his success. “I had people there who really cared about helping me succeed, like Jim DeShields and Bob Strong.” DeShields continues to be a huge influence in Melendez’s life. “Jim DeShields worked with me and taught me all about these classic cars and I want to thank him,” said Melendez. “After graduation I went to work for him. He continues to teach me so much.” DeShields has a mutual admiration for Melendez. “He is fantastic! He makes up for his lack of hearing and speech by using his head,” said DeShields. “I could never find anyone better; I wish I could clone him!” Melendez says he wants to start his own business someday and credits the College for helping him reach his potential. “I am very proud to say I graduated from Camden County College.” Lori Mann, a sign language interpreter, interpreted during this interview.

Camden County College offers many Certificate and Degree Programs. For a full listing check the college Web site.  

Transition Services
Students can contact the Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students directly to schedule an appointment for transition services. Transition assistance and information that meets the specific needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners will be provided by advisors fluent in American Sign Language. Camden County College New Student Orientations, Tours, and Transition Fairs are accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students needing accommodations.
Some Transition Information includes:

• iTransition,  an on-line training for Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners
• Financial Aid information
• Scholarship information for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
• Differences between High School and College

Support Services
Camden County College provides the following services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing:

• Advisement/Transition Counseling accessible in ASL
• Interpreting
• Notetaking
• C-Print Captioning
• Tutoring
• Financial Aid Assistance
• Assistive Listening Devices

Extracurricular Activities
Camden County College has a wide variety of student activities. * Requests for interpreters for extra activities must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

• Division III Sports
• Student Government
• College Newspaper
• Theater
• Student Clubs

Application Process
Contact the Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students at 227-7200 ext. 4255 or 4506 or kearp@camdencc.edu

You can apply online.

Students who are deaf or hard of hearing and requesting support services will need to provide the following:

• A completed application
• High school or college transcripts
• A current audiogram (administered within  the last 3 years)

For more information please contact:
The Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Camden County College
P.O. Box 200
Blackwood, New Jersey 08012
856-227-7200 ext. 4506 or 4255 (V/TTY)
856-374-5003 (Fax)
kearp@camdencc.edu