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
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
Amy Lazzaretti / July 17th, 2025 
Deaf Studies and Interpreter Training programs play crucial roles in fostering inclusivity, promoting understanding, and breaking down communication barriers for the Deaf community. These programs are essential for creating a more equitable and accessible society. Deaf Studies Programs Deaf Studies programs provide a comprehensive exploration of Deaf culture, history, language,. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / July 17th, 2025 
Deaf schools, which provide specialized educational environments for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, are funded through a variety of sources. These sources include state and federal funding, as well as private donations and charitable organizations. Public Funding State Funds State tax revenues are a primary source of funding for public schools,. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / July 17th, 2025 
In recent years, there has been a concerning trend of Deaf schools closing. This is due to a complex mix of factors, including the push for mainstreaming, funding challenges, and declining enrollment. Mainstreaming and Inclusion Shift Towards Mainstream Education There’s been a significant movement towards integrating Deaf children into mainstream. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / June 30th, 2025 
Hamilton. The name alone conjures images of packed theaters, soaring vocals, and a revolutionary narrative. Now, imagine that same energy, that same passion, but communicated through the fluid and expressive language of American Sign Language (ASL). That’s exactly what a viral TikTok series by a group of high school students. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / June 30th, 2025 
Today, we dive into a show that’s got everyone buzzing: Ginny & Georgia. This Netflix gem isn’t just your typical coming-of-age story; it’s also making strides in representation, particularly for the Deaf community. What’s Ginny & Georgia About? The show follows the lives of a 30-something single mom, Georgia, and. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / June 30th, 2025 
A remarkable milestone in the realm of language rights and education has emerged from the land of innovation and fika—Sweden. Sweden became the first country in the world to officially recognize and legalize Swedish Sign Language, as well as the Bi-Bi (Bilingual-Bicultural) education model. Let’s dive into what this means,. . . + Read More
