Donna Schefer

Donna Schefer is a Principal Lecturer in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of New Hampshire. She specializes in American Sign Language instruction and developing innovative programs for children with hearing loss.

Education:

• M.Ed. in Education, Boston University
• B.S. in Education, Trenton State College

Her current project, the Preschool Sign Language Pilot Program, represents New Hampshire's first hybrid program providing family sign language instruction to children with hearing loss aged 5-7 years. This initiative delivers school and home-based ASL instruction involving entire families, addressing critical language access needs during early development.

Schefer teaches American Sign Language courses and has contributed to state educational guidelines for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. She serves on multiple departmental committees including Online Curriculum Development and Undergraduate Curriculum.

With extensive clinical experience in neurogenic communication disorders, she founded the Clinic for Neurogenic Communication Disorders at UNH. Her work emphasizes evidence-based assessment and family-centered intervention strategies.