Juneteenth and the Deaf Community Honoring Freedom, Recognizing Voices Juneteenth—celebrated on June 19th—is a significant and powerful day in American history. It marks the moment in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. As the country continues to […]
ReadmoreWhen disaster strikes — whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, mass shooting, or health emergency — access to information can mean the difference between safety and danger. But for many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, emergency alerts and instructions are often incomplete, delayed, or completely inaccessible. In life-threatening situations, this isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a matter of survival. […]
ReadmoreIn today’s world, we often hear about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Companies celebrate cultural awareness days, update policies, and talk about equal opportunity. But what happens when accessibility is overlooked, and inclusion is only surface deep? For many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, workplace discrimination remains a very real and often invisible challenge. What Does Discrimination Look […]
ReadmoreWhat Is the Bi-Bi Model? The Bi-Bi (Bilingual-Bicultural) model is an educational philosophy that uses two languages and two cultures as the foundation for learning: This model recognizes that Deaf children learn best when they have full access to language — and for most, that means a visual language like ASL from the very beginning. Why Is the Bi-Bi Approach Important? 1. Language […]
ReadmoreIntroductionAs the need for accessibility and inclusion grows across the United States, the demand forqualified sign language interpreters continues to rise. Interpreters play a crucial role in ensuringthat Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have equitable access to communication in settingsranging from classrooms and courtrooms to hospitals and government agencies.If you’re considering a career as a sign […]
ReadmoreImagine sitting at a dinner table surrounded by laughter, stories, and conversation—only you’re not part of any of it. You can see lips moving, hear bits of laughter, and catch someone glancing your way—but you have no idea what’s going on. For many Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH) people, this isn’t a rare […]
ReadmoreIn the history of Deaf education, few events have had as devastating and far-reaching an impact as the Milan Conference of 1880. Officially known as the Second International Congress on Education of the Deaf, this meeting—held in Milan, Italy—ushered in an era that would silence Deaf voices in classrooms across the world and nearly erase sign language […]
ReadmoreThe History of Deaf Education in the U.S. The journey of Deaf education in the United States is a story of resilience, innovation, and cultural evolution. From the early 1800s to today, the methods and philosophies of how Deaf children are taught have shifted dramatically—reflecting broader debates about language, identity, and inclusion. A Historic Beginning: […]
ReadmoreThe Importance of Deaf Representation in Media In a world where media shapes perceptions, representation matters—especially for marginalized communities like the Deaf and hard of hearing. Authentic and visible representation in television, film, news, and digital content is more than just inclusion—it’s a powerful affirmation of identity, culture, and belonging. Why Representation Matters When Deaf […]
ReadmoreAmerican Sign Language (ASL) is a rich and expressive visual language used by hundreds of thousands of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people across the United States and parts of Canada. But did you know that ASL actually has roots in French Sign Language (LSF – Langue des Signes Française)? Understanding the origins of ASL provides a powerful […]
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