Makenna Cook / February 22nd, 2024 
As I gazed out the airplane window across the beautiful Cascade Range mountains. I realized I’d never flown this far West. Going into the weekend I knew exactly what to expect, but at the same time I had no idea what to expect. As the plane landed and I walked. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / September 22nd, 2025 
Learning ASL is exciting, but the real magic happens when you step outside the classroom and spend time in the Deaf community. In Tucson, there are many welcoming spaces and events where new ASL learners can connect, practice, and learn about Deaf culture. Here’s how to get started as a. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / September 22nd, 2025 
Learning ASL is more than memorizing signs, it’s about experiencing Deaf culture and building real-life connections. As an ASL student, spending time in the Deaf community helps you learn naturally, develop cultural awareness, and practice your skills in authentic settings. Think of it like learning Spanish in Spain or French. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / September 22nd, 2025 
When you start learning American Sign Language (ASL), you might hear people talking about SEE or PSE too. What are those? Aren’t they the same thing as ASL? The answer is no. There are actually three different signing styles you may see in classrooms or in Deaf spaces: Signed Exact. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / August 29th, 2025 
Academy Award–winning actor and advocate Marlee Matlin is the focus of a new feature documentary, Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore. Directed by Shoshannah Stern, the film centers American Sign Language, uses open captions throughout, and removes conventional voiceover so the story is told visually and directly in ASL. It is. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / August 29th, 2025 
When Green Day’s American Idiot first hit Broadway in 2010, it wowed audiences with its raw energy and punk-rock storytelling. But no production has reimagined the show quite like Deaf West Theatre’s American Sign Language (ASL) adaptation. By weaving ASL into the music, choreography, and design, Deaf West created a. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / August 29th, 2025 
When you think of NBA rookies making a splash, you might picture highlight reels, buzzer beaters, and slam dunks. Carter Bryant has all of that, but he’s also bringing something far more meaningful to the court: a deep, personal commitment to advocating for the Deaf community. As a Grandchild of. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / July 17th, 2025 
A brief history of the world’s oldest deaf school in Paris, France, otherwise known as Institute National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris. Today, on July 29th, we commemorate the anniversary of the Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris (National Institute for Deaf Children of Paris), a government-recognized and funded. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / July 17th, 2025 
As a Deaf child growing up in the oral mainstream setting, I lacked access to books that could have guided me through the difficulties I faced. However, today there are many books available for all ages that provide support and resources for Deaf individuals. Here are some recommendations that I. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / July 17th, 2025 
There is a common misconception that American Sign Language Interpreters are just people who have a certain level of fluency in ASL which makes them eligible to interpret for any Deaf person on the street. The truth is, American Sign Language interpreters often have a degree in interpreting, studying the. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / July 17th, 2025 
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) serves as a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including members of the Deaf community. Enacted in 1990, this comprehensive legislation ensures equal access and opportunities across multiple aspects of daily life. Key Protections for Deaf Individuals Employment (Title. . . + Read More
