Iona University’s Bridget Graham ’24MA Eager to Serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community After Graduation
Graham combines her educational training with her passion for American Sign Language through advanced programs at Iona
New Rochelle, N.Y. – Picture this: A passionate Iona University student is teaching a young boy American Sign Language (ASL) in Burke Lounge. Her hands move with precision and her face lights up with expression as the boy watches, full of curiosity.
“I always love seeing kids who are interested in learning more about ASL!”
Meet Bridget Graham ’24MA, who has a strong desire to support students within the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Set to graduate in May, Graham leaves Iona with a Master of Arts in communication sciences and disorders. She also has earned two advanced certificates: The Interdisciplinary Advanced Certificate in Working with Young Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and their Families (IACD) and the Advanced Certificate in Clinical Communication.
“My passion is American Sign Language and working with others to create an empathetic, accessible and successful learning environment for language development,” she said.
During her time as a student at Iona, Graham completed an internship at St. Josephs School for the Deaf, where she interacted with children possessing a range of disabilities. Previously, she held a similar role in New Rochelle High School.
Following graduation, she plans to continue serving the deaf and hard of hearing community as a speech language pathologist in a deaf education setting.
“Iona has prepared me for this journey in multiple ways. Through the IACD program, I gained essential knowledge about the deaf population, fostering my passion for this field,” Graham said. “Moreover, the guidance and expertise of our esteemed professors not only enriched academic pursuits but also, cultivated critical thinking and professional growth among myself and my peers.”
We recently spoke with Bridget to learn more about her Iona journey. Please enjoy!
Name: Bridget Graham
Graduation Year: 2024
Major: Speech-Language Pathology (SUNY New Paltz, 2022)
Graduate Degree: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Hometown: Catskill Mountains in Upstate N.Y.
Why did you decide to attend Iona?
I decided to attend Iona for the Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate program because it offers a diverse course load and externship opportunities. Additionally, I have the privilege of collaborating with both peers and educators to expand my knowledge and advance my academic journey.
What interests you most about your chosen course of study?
As a speech pathologist, you get to work with a range of speech and language disorders. You also strive to create inclusive environments where individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds can fully participate and thrive.
With a focus on empathy and language access, speech pathologists play a crucial role in enhancing communication skills and promoting equity in health care and education settings.
What distinct advantages have you gained from your Iona experience?
At Iona, working alongside peers offered the advantage of diverse perspectives, fostering collaborative learning and innovative solutions.
Moreover, the guidance and expertise of our esteemed professors not only enriched academic pursuits but also, cultivated critical thinking and professional growth among myself and my peers.
Have you interned anywhere? If so, how did you find the opportunity? What did you enjoy most about your internship?
During my time at Iona, I had the opportunity to engage in two distinctive internships. Initially, I interned at New Rochelle High School, where I collaborated with a diverse cohort of high school students enrolled in the Special Education program, addressing a spectrum of communication disorders. My focus was on nurturing life skills conducive to enhancing their overall quality of life.
Subsequently, I undertook an internship at St. Joseph's School for the Deaf, where I interacted with children possessing a range of disabilities. This experience allowed me to further develop my proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) while ensuring accessible communication for children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH).
Tell us about your plans for the future. In what ways has Iona prepared you for the next step you will be taking?
Post-graduation, my aim is to continue serving the deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) community. Iona has prepared me for this journey in multiple ways. Through the IACD program, I gained essential knowledge about the Deaf population, fostering my passion for this field. Additionally, I benefited from Iona's affiliations with internship sites, enabling me to complete my clinical hours in a deaf school environment.
Is there a faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on your future that you would like to mention?
Dr. Michelle Veyvoda and Dr. Amanda Howerton-Fox have significantly influenced my path towards working with the Deaf population. I received invaluable guidance and knowledge from them both, which deeply impacted my growth.
Additionally, my program director, Dr. Dorothy Leone, has been an exceptional mentor throughout my graduate school journey, consistently providing support for my academic success. I feel fortunate to have been guided by such exceptional, knowledgeable professors here at Iona.