Gallaudet University Deaf Studies

Most of our first and second year MA Deaf Studies Students got together thanks to and took a cruise in the Potomac to take a nice break before their finals and the presentation of their theses!

Recently, visiting from Brazil we had the honor of hosting .pego as she presented on “Mouth Articulations in Libras: A Dialogue Between Linguistics and Deaf Studies”. Dr. Carolina Ferreira Pêgo was also joined by Dr. Andre Reichert for another presentation as they both provided a wonderful presentation on “Brazilian Deaf Culture“. Thank you Dr. Carolina Ferreira Pêgo and Dr. Andre Reichert!

We remember and honor Corinne Palaia ’15, G’17, a proud member of our Deaf Studies community whose light touched so many.

Corinne brought depth, brilliance, and presence to everything she did—including her powerful performance as Agatha Tiegel Hanson in The Feather film produced by Gary Brooks with the support of DST 402: Deaf Women Studies students. Her work and volunteering reflected not only talent, but a deep commitment to Deaf stories, language, and identity.

Her passing is an immeasurable loss. We hold her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her in our thoughts as we grieve together.

Her flame continues—in the stories she told, the community she shaped, and the legacy she leaves behind. 🕯️

Recently, students in the course DST 595: Deaf Policy Lab: Grassroots Activism had the opportunity to walk through the halls of Gallaudet, advocating for something they believed in. The course discusses the importance of activism as each student works individually with an organization of their choice for the upcoming NAD conference this summer.

A few weeks ago students of course DST 712: Enforcing Normalcy: Deaf and Disability Studies presenting on the Eugenics archives. They then, recently ‘reimagined’ their findings through the power of art, taking what they originally found a few weeks ago, and redefined history.

The semester is coming to an end already! Please join us for the viewing and discussion of “Whitewater Rafting as Method for Doing Deafness” featuring our five Deaf research incubator fellows who have had an eventful year! We hope to see you there! April 30th 1-4PM in LLRH6 (by the fireplace).

Our course DST 735 - Sensory Studies will be hosting an event on December 5th, 2025 from 2pm-4pm. In Hall Memorial Building room S141 - Deaf Studies Department. The event will feature different final projects created by our master’s students. We hope to experience you there! ID: At the top, the heading reads “DST 735 Sensory Studies,” in smaller font, followed by “(UN) Common Sense” in larger font, below that reads“Deaf Sensory Studies Gallery.” The event details—“Friday, December 5, 2025, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., HMB S141”—appear clearly beneath it. The center of the poster displays a photograph of two hands holding a molded piece of clay in the shape of a heart, referencing the artwork “My Hands Are My Heart” (1991) by Gabriel Orozco. At the very bottom, the poster provides contact information for questions or accommodations: “Email: [email protected].”

Today the Deaf Studies Department hosted special guest Eimi Iino from Sapporo Japan. Eimi provided a presentation titled “When Deaf Influencers Speak: Reflections From Japan”. During the presentation, Eimi discussed her life in Sapporo Japan as a Deaf person. Starting out learning cued speech then sign language. As well discussed the legal system in Japan in relation to Japanese Sign Language - JSL and how the Deaf Community in Japan feels about the Japanese Governments choices in regards to the use of ‘Signed Exact Japanese’ and ‘Japanese Sign Language’. Joining Eimi was current visiting international student from Japan Ayako. Ayako interpreted Eimi’s presentation from JSL to ASL.

Today in DST 743 - Community Organizing for Social Change, we had special guest, Educational Interpreter Consultant, Amy Parsons.

Amy presented on her expertise of Unions. Providing students with a great interactive discussion on the topic. As well as teaching our students about the ins and outs, pros and cons on being within a Union.

Thank you so much Amy for stopping by our class today!

Our very last Friday presenter! Historian and fellow Gallaudet professor- Dr. Jannelle Legg! Dr. Legg provided the class with an interactive discussion on the topic of digital history, the pros, the cons and its origination. We even discussed different forms of digital history that our students can access at any time! Dr. Legg also showed us her work and processes throughout her PhD dissertation. What an interesting and informative presentation! Thank you so much for not only being our last guest presentation but also for ending our class with a bang!