The Victorian Deaf Education Institute (VDEI) is a centre of expertise for deaf education and a provider of high-quality professional learning, projects, initiatives, and research. VDEI plays a key role in advising on technological solutions related to digital learning, access, and communications.
Vision
VDEI’s vision is to contribute to improvement in the educational outcomes for the more than 4,000 students in Victoria who are deaf or hard of hearing by strengthening the knowledge and practice of the professionals and communities that support them. The Victorian Deaf Education Institute Strategic Plan 2021-2023 outlines VDEI’s commitment to achieving this vision.
Mission
VDEI’s mission is to improve the educational outcomes of deaf and hard of hearing students by strengthening the knowledge and practice of the deaf education workforce through high-quality professional learning, targeted research and evidence-based policy implementation. We support the vital role that specialist educators play in enabling improved curriculum access and providing learning experiences for students who are deaf and hard of hearing that are inclusive and rewarding. VDEI works with key stakeholders to identify the evidence for leading practice in teaching and learning that promote inclusion and enrich the learning opportunities. Our research and community partnerships enable VDEI to implement targeted policies and programs that have a measurable impact on the capability of practitioners to improve the quality of deaf education. To achieve these outcomes, VDEI communicates and engages with internal and external stakeholders in ways that foster collaboration, maintain trust and are responsive to changing expectations and needs. and educational outcomes of deaf and hard of hearing students and to ensure that all school communities become truly inclusive. Our research and community partnerships enable us to implement targeted policies and programs that build the capability of Teachers of the Deaf and allied professionals to improve the quality of deaf education.
Our Key Enablers
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We are responsive
VDEI focuses on understanding and responding to the learning needs and challenges of deaf and hard of hearing students.
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We value excellence
VDEI is a centre of expertise in deaf education, commissioning high-impact research, designing and delivering high-quality professional learning and piloting emerging learning technologies.
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We are inclusive
VDEI seeks to recognise, understand and celebrate the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and learning needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
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We are collaborative
VDEI is a committed to engaging closely with the deaf education workforce, students, families and community organisations that support deaf and hard of hearing children and young people
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We are focused on making a difference
VDEI is a centre of expertise in deaf education, commissioning high-impact research, designing and delivering high-quality professional learning and piloting emerging learning technologies
