Posts by Amy Lazzaretti



Deaf Education: Oral vs Manual

Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell was a teacher at a deaf school in Boston? He was fluent in American Sign Language. His philosophy for the Deaf was advocating oralism. Bell took part in many historic events that nearly caused American Sign Language (ASL) to become extinct. Edward Miner. . . + Read More

Why Learn from Deaf Teachers

In life, we encounter an array of perspectives that broaden our understanding. But one under appreciated fountain of wisdom exists within the Deaf community. As we strive for inclusivity and embrace different abilities, it’s vital we acknowledge the singular insights Deaf teachers provide.  This blog unveils why learning from a. . . + Read More

Woodstock Cafe in Portland, Oregon

I had the pleasure of reaching out to Mr. Andre Gray, the visionary behind Woodstock Cafe, a unique coffee shop that celebrates sign language. During our conversation, he shared valuable insights about his inspiring journey and mission. Here’s what we can learn from Mr. Gray: Can you share the story. . . + Read More

Who is Tamika Catchings?

Tamika Catchings stands as one of basketball’s most inspiring success stories. Born in 1979 with hearing loss in both ears, she didn’t let anything stop her from becoming one of the WNBA’s greatest players of all time. Growing up wearing hearing aids and facing bullying from peers, Catchings found solace. . . + Read More

Deaf President Now Movie

An exciting new documentary titled “Deaf President Now!” is coming to Apple TV+, co-directed by Deaf advocate Nyle DiMarco and Oscar-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim. This powerful film tells the story of a pivotal moment in Deaf history and civil rights. The documentary focuses on the historic eight days of protests. . . + Read More

Who was Andrew Foster?

Andrew Foster was a remarkable pioneer, who overcame both racial discrimination and societal limitations of deafness to become one of the most influential educators in African history. Born in 1925 in Ensley, Alabama, Foster lost his hearing at age 11 due to spinal meningitis. Despite facing the harsh realities of. . . + Read More

Deaf Football Player Derrick Coleman

Derrick Coleman is an inspiring figure in NFL history, known not only for his skills on the field but also for being a trailblazer as one of the first Deaf offensive players in the league’s history and the first Deaf football player to win a Super Bowl. Early Life and. . . + Read More

Deaf Football Players in the NFL

There have been a few notable deaf football players in NFL history who have broken barriers and inspired many with their determination and skill. Here’s a brief overview of some prominent players: 1. Larry Brown Background Larry Brown, who was deaf in one ear, played his entire career with the. . . + Read More

Miss Deaf America Heather Whitestone

Heather Whitestone is an inspiring individual who overcame significant challenges in her life to become the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss America in 1995. Her triumph in the pageant brought widespread attention not only to her personal achievements but also to the potential of people with disabilities. Here’s. . . + Read More

Holiday Movies Featuring ASL

The holiday season is a time for festive films that bring warmth and cheer. Among these, several movies stand out for their inclusion of American Sign Language (ASL), offering meaningful representation for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Let’s explore a few of these films. 1. Santa Bootcamp (2022) “Santa Bootcamp”. . . + Read More