JCCC has many alluring qualities as a place for higher education, but for Miss Deaf Kansas, Jessica Redden, it was the college’s support for the Deaf community through Access Services and Gallaudet University that caught her attention. 

Redden began losing her hearing as a freshman in high school and is now almost completely deaf.  Her disability was difficult for her to accept at first. Learning to sign was challenging.  She tried attending a smaller community college, but didn’t find the support network she needed to succeed.  She moved to this area from Wichita to be close to the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe and found that there is a considerably large Deaf community here, with many support services available at JCCC.

During her time at JCCC, Redden believes she has achieved many personal successes and feels more comfortable with her disability now. “There is a stigma that comes with being deaf or hard of hearing, but this area and this school accepts me,” she said.

 Redden plans to attend Gallaudet University after she receives her associate’s degree from JCCC.  “When I first entered college, I wanted to be a veterinarian, but now I am exploring becoming an ASL (American Sign Language) teacher,” she said.  She credits Ken Clark, one of her own ASL teachers here at JCCC, with helping her find her career path. While she is still undecided about completing a degree in ASL studies, she knows that support and direction are easily accessible at JCCC, adding, “Bruce Harvey, a counselor in the Student Center, has helped me a lot.”

Redden’s advice for other students:  If you are undecided about a course of study, “try the Interpreter Training Program (ITP) courses.”  If you like the program, “Go for it!”

If you are a student or are interested in becoming a student at Johnson County Community College, and have a disability, please visit Access Services on the second floor of the Student Center or call 913-469-3521 or TTY 913-469-3885 for more information about the college’s support services.