Meet Emily Ohl, an Industrial Design major from Columbia, Maryland, in this episode of Faces of NTID. Emily shares why she chose RIT/NTID: from the nationally recognized Industrial Design program to the unparalleled accessibility, signing environment, and strong Deaf community she found on campus.

Emily talks about the moment she knew RIT was the right school for her: meeting with an advisor in American Sign Language and finally experiencing a fully accessible conversation. She also reflects on the growth she’s experienced at NTID, academically, personally, and culturally, as she strengthens her Deaf identity, builds community, and gains hands-on opportunities she wouldn’t have had anywhere else.

From designing for a better world to serving as a costume designer for multiple productions and collaborating closely with faculty, Emily shows what’s possible when students have access, support, and room to thrive.

Faces of NTID spotlights the diverse students who bring curiosity, creativity, and leadership to our community.

Learn more about RIT/NTID and explore programs that combine innovation, accessibility, and real-world experience at: rit.edu/ntid