Southwestern College for the Deaf (SWCD) is located in Big Spring, Texas and is a state-supported community college on the campus of Howard College.
SWCD is the only autonomous community college that serves deaf and hard of hearing students. They offer graduate and certificate programs in American Sign Language: Deaf Support Specialist; Automotive Maintenance Technician; Building Construction Technology; Computer and Information Systems; Dental Laboratory Technology; Interpreter Training; Office Technology; Visual Communications Technology; and Welding. American Sign Language is the primary mode of communication used during the program. SWCD students can also participate in athletics, student organizations, classroom internships, and other residential activities on the Howard College campus.
History: SWCD opened in November 1980 after a feasibility study confirmed the need for a higher education institution to provide higher education and vocational training for the deaf. SWCD focuses on educating students who may not be ready to attend Gallaudet University or the National Institute of Technology for the Deaf.