American Sign Language Commons^™

An Exploratory Case Study Of Accredited Interpreter Education Programs In The United States, Len Roberson, Sherry Shaw, Carolyn Ball, Sierra A.W. Rance

Journal of Interpretation

This exploratory qualitative case study examines how undergraduate signed language interpreter education programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education (CCIE) maintain programmatic distinctiveness while complying with shared accreditation standards. Drawing on document analysis and semi-structured interviews with program directors from all 19 CCIE-accredited programs in the United States, the study investigates institutional, curricular, and contextual variables that contribute to successful accreditation and program sustainability. The study analyzed publicly available documents alongside interview data to identify commonalities and variations across programs in areas such as curriculum design, faculty composition, admissions and progression requirements, field experience, and institutional support. Findings …

Sequential And Global Learning In Signed Language Interpreter Education, Heather A. Turell

Journal of Interpretation

Cognitive styles (Joughin, 1992) have been described as the means by which human beings prefer to learn. While cognitive styles and activities to support specific cognitive styles have been explored in various arenas of adult learning, they have yet to be applied to interpreter education. To explore this further, a pilot test was conducted to determine if the interpreting training activities designed for global and sequential learners aligned with their expressed preference for global or sequential learning tasks. Four student interpreters participated in the study. To establish the participants’ cognitive styles, they completed a learning styles questionnaire. Participants were then …

Guest Editor's Note: The Emerging Profession Of Signed Language Pathology, Anita Small, Jody Cripps, Kimberly Ofori-Sanzo

Society for American Sign Language Journal

No abstract provided.

The Anatomy And Physiology Of Signed Language Articulation, Leah C. Geer

Society for American Sign Language Journal

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) receive extensive training in the anatomy and physiology of the oral speech and swallowing mechanisms. However, SLPs who serve individuals using a signed language like American Sign Language (ASL) may struggle to apply their training to appropriately assess and treat signed language productions in such students. Similarly, signed language specialists often lack foundational clinical knowledge to work effectively in the context of signed production. This article provides a detailed anatomical exploration of the primary sign language articulators, highlighting parallels between oral and manual articulators. SLPs learn in graduate school which speech sounds typically emerge at what ages …

Stuttering-Like Behaviors In Asl: Clinical Position Paper On Assessment Considerations And Recommendations, Jody Cripps, Mark W. Pellowski

Society for American Sign Language Journal

Assessment of stuttering like behaviors in signed language among deaf individuals will be discussed in this paper. Several assessments have been developed over the years that evaluate deaf children’s American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency, which is a very important undertaking for this population. However, there has been very little discussion in the literature regarding the specific diagnostic tools used to evaluate deaf children’s signed language disorders and dysfluency, such as specific signed language impairment (SSLI) and signed stuttering (Cripps et al., 2016a & b). Although some American deaf children have been ‘informally’ diagnosed with SSLI (e.g., Quinto-Pozos et al., 2011, …

Afterword: Toward A Framework For Signed Language Pathology, Paul M. Evitts

Society for American Sign Language Journal

No abstract provided.

From Language Access To Ownership In The Education For Deaf Children, Joanne R. Marshall

Society for American Sign Language Journal

No abstract provided.

Asl Proficiency Outcomes: Comparing In-Person And Online Instructions, Stephen B. Fitzmaurice

Society for American Sign Language Journal

This study examined whether American Sign Language (ASL) proficiency outcomes differ between in-person and online instructional modes using a standardized external assessment. Twenty-eight undergraduate students who completed 44 credit hours of ASL coursework at a southeastern U.S. university were assessed using the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI). Students were divided into two groups based on graduation cohort: those who completed all coursework in-person (n = 15) and those who completed at least four courses online (n = 13). Results revealed significantly higher ASLPI scores for in-person students (M = 2.47, SD = 0.48) compared to online students (M = …

Freeing The Butterfly: A Call To Action, Lisalee D. Egbert

Society for American Sign Language Journal

No abstract provided.

Full Issue, Volume 8

Society for American Sign Language Journal

No abstract provided.

Impact And Utilization Of Asl Lab Spaces In University Settings, Nathan J. Dutra, Michele Vincent

Journal of Interpretation

American Sign Language (ASL) is a challenging yet rapidly growing language taught at both secondary and higher education levels. Despite its increasing popularity, there is limited literature on utilizing ASL labs as learning centers. This quantitative study examines the implementation of a new ASL lab at a large four-year university in California. It investigates the factors influencing participation, the motivations behind students' involvement, and their perceptions of the lab's effectiveness. Results indicate significant associations between course modality, instructor influence, and lab participation. The study suggests that ASL labs function as cultural and educational spaces that promote visibility of Deaf culture …

The Problem With People: Signed Language Interpreter Disposition Match And Attrition, Dawn M. Wessling

Journal of Interpretation

In the United States, communication access is a legislated right for Deaf people in many settings; however, recent data suggest that the number of signed language interpreters does not meet current service demand. This multiple‑case study contributes to understanding interpreter attrition by examining how disposition mismatches between novice interpreters and more experienced co‑interpreters influence early exit from the field. Attrition among novice interpreters may exacerbate demand–supply imbalances and contribute to persistent shortages in interpreting services.

This study draws on applied and organizational psychology frameworks, specifically attraction, selection, and attrition (ASA) theory and person–organization fit (P–O fit). Using these theoretical lenses, …

Fragmented Foundations: Interpreter Educator Resources And Uneven Student Preparation, Kierstin S. Muroski

Journal of Interpretation

The readiness-to-work gap among graduates of signed language interpreting programs has been widely acknowledged for decades. Efforts to address the gap have primarily focused on training methods and student performance. This paper shifts the focus to interpreter educators, examining whether the inconsistencies in their awareness and use of discipline-related books may contribute to the disparate educational outcomes of students entering the workforce. Drawing on survey data from 75 interpreter educators in the United States, this study explores demographic patterns of their book awareness and usage in teaching. Results indicate that awareness and utilization of discipline-related books to support teaching are …

Shifting To A Culture Of Inclusion By Design: Applying A Mixed-Methods Approach To Advance Accessibility Of Public Health Emergency Information & Communication Technology, Jessica L. Franks, Erin Vinoski Thomas

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience inequities in access to timely, accurate, and understandable information and communication technology (ICT), which increases risk for public health emergency (PHE)-related health disparities and impedes opportunities to achieve optimal health. This study assessed federal COVID-19 webpage accessibility levels and explored existing knowledge of and experience with filing accessibility complaints for federal ICT among adults with IDD. Through a mixed-methods approach, we evaluated compliance with accessibility standards for 18 federal agencies’ COVID-19 webpages (study 1) and interviewed 16 adults with IDD about experiences accessing federal webpages and filing accessibility complaints (study 2). We …

Admission Screening Into Signed Language Interpreter Education: A Longitudinal Case Study Of Readiness, Len Roberson, Sherry Shaw, Gail D. Hughes

Journal of Interpretation

Testing applicants for admission into academic interpreting programs, whether spoken or signed, centers on the attempt to recruit and retain students who are most likely to acquire interpreting skills and successfully complete programs. Despite continual experimentation with various screening instruments and procedures in interpreter education, a definitive battery of tests to predict favorable student outcomes remains elusive to researchers, and programs are justifiably reluctant to enforce admission decisions based on screenings that have not been sufficiently evaluated for validity and reliability. This exploratory study provides an analysis of nine years of admission screening data to identify variables that might significantly …

Unearthing Silence: Deaf Archaeology As A Pathway To Social Justice And Accessibility, Abigail H. Steiner

Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal

Deaf archaeology is an emerging field exploring the material culture, spaces, and histories of Deaf communities to understand their social lives and identities. This paper examines Deaf archaeology as a framework for uncovering the historical presence of Deaf individuals and promoting social justice. It begins by defining deafness, contrasting medical and cultural perspectives, then traces the field’s roots in sign language evolution, marginalization, and Deaf education. Through a timeline of findings, the study reveals how Deaf individuals have been recognized or overlooked historically. Engaging with the Southern Tier Deaf community, I explore accessible archaeology and the role of Deaf archaeology …

Evidence For Explicitation: Working From Asl Into English, Campbell Mcdermid, Carrie Humphrey, Anita Harding

Journal of Interpretation

A study was done to examine the explicitation and compression strategies used by interpreters working from American Sign Language (ASL) into spoken English. To date, most research has focused only on their work from English into ASL. A review of the literature identified several expansion and compression strategies that interpreters and translators utilize, and these served as a model of coding the data and for triangulation. The methodology for this study was qualitative and descriptive. Twenty-two interpreters volunteered to simultaneously interpret four ASL recorded texts into spoken English, for a total of 88 target texts. The researchers identified 9 expansions …

Emotional Display Rules Of Deaf Culture, Nicholas M. Gala, Lawrence Pick

JADARA

Emotional display rules refer to the expression of culturally prescribed and socially acceptable emotions across different people and situations (Wu & Schulz, 2020). The display rules among hearing adults across several cultures are well defined and depend on the type of emotion, the individuals involved in the exchange, and the situation. Regarding Deaf culture in the United States, this minoritized group may follow unique display rules (Hosie et al., 2000), but there has been almost no research conducted with this population and the existing studies have focused on youth. The present study explores perceived emotional expressions among a sample of …

Signed Language Interpreter Education Programs In North America: A Descriptive Study, Len Roberson, Sherry Shaw

Journal of Interpretation

The objective of this study is to provide interpreter education faculty, university administrators, accrediting bodies, stakeholders, interpreters, and students (current or prospective) a descriptive snapshot-in-time of interpreter education curriculum and programs in North America. This study expands upon work done in the late 1987-1990 and 2007-2009 to capture a descriptive snapshot-in-time of the preparation of signed language interpreters. Researchers anticipated learning how programs align their curricula with CCIE accreditation standards (whether they are accredited or not), how two- and four-year programs (including Canada) allocate faculty time and resources, and how student characteristics and support systems differ among programs. This study …

Toward Equal Access: A Model For Lay Advocacy Programs Serving People Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing, Melissa Bell

JADARA

Advocacy programs are prevalent among state government agencies that specialize in serving persons who are deaf or hard of hearing around the United States. The work is crucial to ensuring equal access and equal opportunity, yet the lay advocacy profession is not yet formalized with certification, ethical standards, or training programs for advocates serving this population. Research was conducted to advance efforts to maximize these programs’ effectiveness by compiling components of an ideal model for lay advocacy programs. Directors from state agencies that specialize in serving this population around the country refined the model and described the structure of their …

Working With Deaf Children In Healthcare Settings, Maria E. Lombardi

JADARA

Effective and efficient health care is greatly influenced by communication between patient and provider. Federal laws require the use of a sign language interpreter (SLI) or other appropriate accommodations to ensure effective communication within the health care system for deaf children. Specialized training and certifications are available for SLIs choosing to specialize in the health care field. The training is typically geared toward SLIs working with adults rather than children. In addition, very few studies focus on the use of SLIs for children within health care settings. SLIs bring unique perspectives to their respective settings when referencing one’s skill set. …

The Success In Creating An International Perspective On Sign Language Policy, Beverly Buchanan

Society for American Sign Language Journal

No abstract provided.

Are There Really Deaf People Who Are Languageless?, Kristin Snoddon

Society for American Sign Language Journal

No abstract provided.

Cultural Insights On The First School Building For Deaf Children In Belleville, Ontario, Canada, 1870-1922, Clifton F. Carbin, Dana J. Fano

Society for American Sign Language Journal

No abstract provided.

Gaining Insights Into Signed Music Through Performers, Pamela E. Witcher, Jody Cripps, Hodan Youssouf

Society for American Sign Language Journal

Signed music is best described as an inter-performative art form that combines lyrical and non-lyrical musical performances and is deeply rooted in the culture of deaf people who communicate through signed language (J. H. Cripps & Lyonblum, 2017; J. H. Cripps et al., in press [a]). The key investigative component for this article includes outlining the experiences that three Canadian performers had about their signed music creativity during a plenary at the Partition/Ensemble 2020 Conference held by the Canadian Association for Theatre Research in Montreal, Quebec. The panelists responded to two questions that they developed for themselves: What inspired us …

Volume 5, Issue 2, Full Issue

Society for American Sign Language Journal

No abstract provided.

Afterword: Some Thoughts From The Former School Superintendent, Paul S. Bartu

Society for American Sign Language Journal

No abstract provided.

Wartime Emergency And The Education Of Deaf Children, 1941–1944, Clifton F. Carbin, Donna J. Fano

Society for American Sign Language Journal

According to historical accounts, three Canadian schools for deaf children temporarily vacated their premises during World War II (1939–1945). Under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, the Manitoba School for the Deaf in Winnipeg was the third wireless school site for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), from February 17, 1941, to December 31, 1944. In Vancouver, British Columbia, the RCAF took over the grounds of Jericho Hill School for the Deaf, which was in proximity to the RCAF Station Jericho Beach, from early 1942 to December 1945. And the Ontario School for the Deaf (OSD) in Belleville was home …

John Barrett Mcgann, Pioneer In Canadian Deaf Education, Clifton F. Carbin, Donna J. Fano

Society for American Sign Language Journal

This article1 is one of several sesquicentennial projects undertaken by staff of the OSD-SJW Archives to commemorate the 150th anniversary (1870–2020) of the Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf (SJW) in Belleville, Ontario. Initially known as the Ontario Institution for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb (OIDD), it opened on Thursday, October 20, 1870. This article includes a condensed history of the life of John Barrett McGann, an Irish-born immigrant to Canada in 1855, and his founding of schools for deaf children in Toronto (1858), Hamilton (1864), and Belleville (1870), taken from a forthcoming book by …

A Decade Of Hard Work And Success, 2010–2020, Clifton F. Carbin, Donna J. Fano

Society for American Sign Language Journal

This article1 is an account of the archives and museum at the Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf (SJW) in Belleville, Ontario, which has a long history dating back to 1870. The deaf community affectionately calls this school “Belleville” in American Sign Language after the city where it is located, and so references to the school in this article are also to “the Belleville school.” It is also important to understand that the Belleville school had different names over the years: The school was first called the Ontario Institution for the Education and Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb …