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Dr. Schafer earned a Master of Arts in Human Service with a concentration in Alcohol and Substance Abuse from the University of Illinois Springfield and a Master of Science in School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Dr. Schafer went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology from The University of Alabama. He is quite possibly the first ever culturally Deaf individual to earn a doctorate at the capstone. His dissertation, Operationalizing a Criteria in Assessing Communication Efficiency, focused on building psychometric value to a Communication Skills Assessment, which Mental Health Centers across Alabama utilize in their treatment plan by matching communication preferences.
Dr. Schafer continues to be vested as a nationally certified school psychologist. In the past, he was responsible for psychotherapeutic services and the psychological assessment process to create effective support and intervention at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf and then the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. He continues to promote the consultation/collaboration model for a visual language foundation in the field of education. Inside his circle, he is affectionately known as the "research man" who enjoys disseminating strategies through Deaf eyes. He has published several articles to further pedagogy within culturally and linguistically affirmative actions with a focus on interpersonal effectiveness or public speaking. His predoctoral internship consisted of rotations at Civitan-Sparks Pediatric Clinic, assessing pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders for Autism and/or ADHD then Bryce Psychiatric Hospital working with involuntary and/or forensic commitments. The knowledge he has acquired has been delivered in over 300 presentations at the local, state and international level, challenging the audience to a greater good. As a board member, former president, and President-Elect of national Deaf organizations including the Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services, the Deaf Disc Golf Association, and the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association, he continues to have a vested interest in addressing policy and program concerns to promote best practices for behavioral health and social services. In the field of education, Dr. Schafer continues to be a visiting guest lecturer or adjunct professor for multiple universities, developing pedagogy and then challenging entry-level counseling or sign language interpreting students.
Kent Schafer, Ph.D., has been named Director of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) Tuscaloosa Regional Center.
“I am extremely excited to have someone of Dr. Schafer‘s caliber to lead the AIDB Tuscaloosa Regional Center,” commented Jessica Edmiston, Chief Adult Programs Officer, AIDB. “I truly believe that he, coupled with our statewide team, will continue to raise the expectations for programs and services serving individuals with sensory differences and other exceptionalities.”
“Kent is a definite value-add to the Office of Field Services team,” agreed Isaac Beavers, Interim Executive Director, Office of Field Services, AIDB. “He knows Tuscaloosa, he knows Deafness, and he understands people. We are thrilled to have Dr. Kent Schafer join us.”
Dr. Schafer has an extensive background where he actively identifies and challenges decisions made for sign-fluent individuals. Whether in the clinical or educational settings, Dr. Schafer has created differential registers and modalities merging Deaf mental health and Deaf education. “Working as the Director of the AIDB Tuscaloosa Regional Center, I’ll strive to serve individuals in the region who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind or multidisabled,” commented Dr. Schafer. “I’ll work to strengthen existing partnerships, develop new community partnerships, and establish programs that fit the needs of the AIDB community.”
Dr. Schafer has an extensive background where he actively identifies and challenges decisions made for sign-fluent individuals. Whether in the clinical or educational settings, Dr. Schafer has created differential registers and modalities merging Deaf mental health and Deaf education. “Working as the Director of the AIDB Tuscaloosa Regional Center, I’ll strive to serve individuals in the region who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind or multidisabled,” commented Dr. Schafer. “I’ll work to strengthen existing partnerships, develop new community partnerships, and establish programs that fit the needs of the AIDB community.”
Dr. Schafer earned a Master of Arts in Human Service with a concentration in Alcohol and Substance Abuse from the University of Illinois Springfield and a Master of Science in School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Dr. Schafer went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology from The University of Alabama. He is quite possibly the first ever culturally Deaf individual to earn a doctorate at the capstone. His dissertation, Operationalizing a Criteria in Assessing Communication Efficiency, focused on building psychometric value to a Communication Skills Assessment, which Mental Health Centers across Alabama utilize in their treatment plan by matching communication preferences.
Dr. Schafer continues to be vested as a nationally certified school psychologist. In the past, he was responsible for psychotherapeutic services and the psychological assessment process to create effective support and intervention at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf and then the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. He continues to promote the consultation/collaboration model for a visual language foundation in the field of education. Inside his circle, he is affectionately known as the "research man" who enjoys disseminating strategies through Deaf eyes. He has published several articles to further pedagogy within culturally and linguistically affirmative actions with a focus on interpersonal effectiveness or public speaking. His predoctoral internship consisted of rotations at Civitan-Sparks Pediatric Clinic, assessing pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders for Autism and/or ADHD then Bryce Psychiatric Hospital working with involuntary and/or forensic commitments. The knowledge he has acquired has been delivered in over 300 presentations at the local, state and international level, challenging the audience to a greater good. As a board member, former president, and President-Elect of national Deaf organizations including the Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services, the Deaf Disc Golf Association, and the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association, he continues to have a vested interest in addressing policy and program concerns to promote best practices for behavioral health and social services. In the field of education, Dr. Schafer continues to be a visiting guest lecturer or adjunct professor for multiple universities, developing pedagogy and then challenging entry-level counseling or sign language interpreting students.
