Team Sign Language Blitz in Seattle

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

Marlee Matlin’s Not Alone Anymore Documentary

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

Deaf West Theatre’s “American Idiot”

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

Who is Carter Bryant?

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

The World’s First Public Deaf School

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

Deaf Culture Books for Children

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

Certified Hearing Interpreters

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

What is the ADA and How Does it Support Deaf People?

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

Why are Deaf Studies & Interpreter Programs Important?

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

How Are Deaf Schools Funded?

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

Why are Deaf Schools Closing?

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