Lamar University Dept. of Deaf Studies & Deaf Education

Sadly, the ASL Workshop that was scheduled for July 20-21st has been canceled. We will announce a new date in 2027, so don't despair!

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Today is World Bicycle Day! Are there any ASL cycling groups out there? Let us know in the comments!

BIKE / BICYCLE ASL: bicycleASL: bikeThe American Sign Language sign for "bike" o...

Interested in a move to Louisiana? Despite being the state capital, Baton Rouge feels small and has a lower cost of living. Plus that coastal humidity? Your skin will thank you 💅🧖

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Now Hiring
Join our growing team at the Louisiana School for the Deaf!
For 2026-2027

•Teachers
• MS ELA
• MS Social Studies
• MS Science
• HS Social Studies
• HS ELA
• HS ASL
• Leap Connect/Special Education
• Paraeducators
• Substitute Teachers

Apply at
TINYURL.COM/L*DCAREERS

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✨ Ready to make a real impact? ✨
Join the Louisiana School for the Deaf for the 2026–2027 school year! 🦅💚
📚 We are currently hiring:
• Teachers (MS & HS content areas + Special Education/LEAP Connect)
• Paraeducators
• Substitute Teachers
At L*D, you won’t just have a job — you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, professional growth, and doing what’s right for kids every single day. From the classroom to campus life, our staff plays a powerful role in shaping confident learners and future leaders.

🔗 Apply here: tinyurl.com/L*Dcareers
📩 Don’t see your position listed? Email [email protected]

One of our Ed.D. candidates is conducting a study investigating Deaf college professors and the "Deaf Tax." Even if you don't fit the bill, share with your colleagues!

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Lamar University Deaf Studies Deaf Education Department
Paying for Access?
Narratives of Deaf Faculty, Academic
Space, and the Deaf Tax:
A Thematic Analysis
Researcher: Danielle Goyette

Looking for participants...
• Currently employed as faculty or an instructor at a college/university
• Identify as deaf or hard of hearing (DHH)
• Use sign language (e.g., ASL, PSE, or other
signed language) in professional or
academic settings
• Solo, or one of only two or three DHH staff/faculty members at your institution.

This study aims to better understand:
• Communication experiences in academic environments
• Access and accommodation practices
• Institutional supports and barriers
• Influences of space around you

Research Study Process
1. Survey- Complete a brief online survey (10-15 minutes)
2. Follow-up Interviews- Option to participate in a follow-up interview (45-60 minutes)
3. Confidentiality
• Your responses will be kept confidential
• Participation is voluntary
• You may withdraw at any time

Contact Info
If you have questions about this study, please contact:
Danielle Goyette: [email protected]

Lamar University
This study has been approved by the Lamar University Institutional Review Board ( -FY26-221).

Interested in Participating?
Scan the QR code (on bottom right) or use the link below:
https://tinyurl.com/mrymbhn8

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Are you going to be at the Statewide Conference for Education of the Deaf? We will! We are looking forward to networking with Deaf Education professionals at the SWCED conference June 25-27. That's less than a month away!

We will be presenting our study discussing how Deaf Education can collaborate with General Education teachers to support DHH students in the mainstream setting. (Oh, and we can't wait to see our Lamar alumni, current graduate students, fellow colleagues, and parents there!)

Did y'all know that we have several students graduating with their Masters in Deaf Education degrees? Read a little bit about them and their future goals:

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Join us May 11th as Noemi Martinez defends her Master of Arts thesis entitled "Enhancing Inclusivity Through Certified Deaf Interpreters in the Border Cities." We are so proud of you Noemi!

Details are as follows:
Title: Enhancing Inclusivity Through Certified Deaf Interpreters in the Border Cities

Date: May 11th, 2026

Time: 1:00 p.m., CST

To watch on Zoom-
Meeting ID: 856 6775 7591
Passcode: 509128

(ID: A red, black, and white flyer with the Lamar University logo and a picture of Noemi Martinez, a Latina with silvery-grey hair. She is wearing a blue and white patterned top. In addition to the meeting information, there is a logo at the bottom of a heart containing a family supported by a pair of hands with the text "PROMOTING ACCESS. EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES.
Building a more inclusive future"

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Happy May the 4th to all who celebrate! Why not learn some Star Wars signs?

Happy May 4th — May the Force be with you! ✨
Here’s your Star Wars in ASL lesson featuring signs for Jedi, Yoda, Lightsaber, and more. Inspired by The Sign Polyglot on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpMjOurRz9c

FYI: These signs aren’t official, they were created by fans! That’s the amazing thing about ASL: we can invent new signs for specific concepts as our world expands.

ID: A space-themed graphic titled "Star Wars in ASL" shows illustrated ASL signs for Star Wars, Yoda, Millennium Falcon, Lightsaber, Darth Vader, and Jedi, with small matching character or object images next to each sign. Designed by 58 Creativity.

Hey, if you weren't able to come to our ASL for educators workshop last year, here's your chance! Join us July 20-21 for two days of amazing sessions designed to bring your classroom instruction to a whole other level (make sure to get in on that early bird rate of $175.00 before May 31st). You won't regret it!

Flyer information is as follows:

Monday & Tuesday
July 20-21, 2026
8 AM - 4:30 PM
Open to all ASL teachers
Scan QR code for registration and payment, or use the following link:
https://tinyurl.com/drknz6rb

ASL WORKSHOP
Empowering ASL Educators: Language, Culture, and Innovation Tools for Today's Classroom

Hosted by Lamar University Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education (DSDE)

• Early Bird Rate: $175, Valid through May 31st; Standard Rate: $225
• Breakfast and lunch are provided; we're not able to accommodate specific allergies or dietary requests.
• All registered participants will receive a conference t-shirt featuring original artwork by a Deaf artist.
• After 6/20, the T-shirt will not be guaranteed.
• Vendors will be available on-site.
• CPEs will be available

Contact Jamie Bencak: [email protected]