Black Deaf Culture and Cultural American Sign Language: Understanding the Needs and Experiences

• In Event: Park Central Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Leading With Diverse Students in Mind

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to document the educational experiences of Black Deaf students, Black Deaf American Sign Language (ASL), Black Deaf culture, culturally relevant pedagogy, identity development and leadership practices in schools for the deaf. The research questions focused on how culturally relevant pedagogy and Black Deaf ASL impacted the education of this population. Further, survey research investigated how Black Deaf students identified with Black culture, Deaf culture, and language or the lack thereof. The survey analysis found that Black Deaf culture and ASL were not valued among teachers and administrators. Further, Black Deaf Students were forced to learn ASL the “right way.”

Authors

• Catherine Ann O'Brien, Gallaudet University

• Angela McCaskill, Gallaudet University

• Carolyn McCaskill, Gallaudet University