However, for people who are deaf or hard of hearing finding a mentor with whom they can discuss their unique issues can be challenging.

Cal State Northridge's National Center on Deafness (NCOD) has prepared a series of videos to provide an opportunity for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing to learn from professionals who have succeeded in the work place.

"By viewing the video series, people have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the career world as well as the job requirements, the challenges and the rewards of different fields," said Terri Goldstein, coordinator of Increasing Career Choices for the NCOD.

The series consists of five videotapes, each on a different subject: education, social and behavioral sciences, art and entertainment, science and technical fields and business.

Each tape features interviews with people working in the subject area, discussing what they do, how they got where they are, what assistive technology they use, if any, and the kinds of challenges they faced. Among those featured in the tape on science and technology, for example, are a computer programmer, pharmacist, veterinarian, geologist and an aerospace engineer.

Each video is divided into five chapters covering the career planning process: career exploration and choice, influence of deafness, career preparation, career ladder and career satisfaction.

"The whole point is to broaden people's horizons and help them realize their career choices are not limited to just a few fields," Goldstein said. "We wanted to make a series that really shows people working in a wide range of fields."

She said the videos are appropriate for students in high school or college, and work well in a career library or as a teaching tool.

"The response so far has been phenomenal," Goldstein said, adding that NCOD officials have made the series availability known only on a couple of list servers on the Internet.

Goldstein said the videotapes are being distributed to educators and counselors across the country. The tapes are free, though the center is asking for $5 to cover shipping costs.

To get a copy of a videotape or more information about the series, call (818) 677-6355, voice or TTY.

Increasing Career Choices for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing is made possible through a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education and focuses on expanding the career knowledge of college students who are deaf and hard of hearing. ICC provides a variety of services such as career counseling, job placement, student workshops, student mentoring programs, an assistive technology loan program, voice message service and employer training.

Cal State Northridge has remained at the forefront internationally in the provision of services to people who are deaf or have other disabilities. Specifically, the NCOD has been honored for service to the campus and the community, as well as for its specialized projects and materials used across the nation.

The National Center on Deafness' nationally recognized support system of notetakers, tutors and interpreters allows CSUN's approximately 250 deaf and hard-of-hearing students to take a full part in university life.

CSUN's population of deaf and hard-of-hearing students is one of the largest at any mainstream university in the United States. The university was among the first to offer services to mainstream these students, beginning in the 1960s. The NCOD was founded in 1972.