Research at
Gallaudet University
2005 - 2006

An Exploration of Deaf Empowerment in International Deaf People at Gallaudet University

Status: Ongoing Begin date: August, 2005 End date: Spring, 2007

Description

Research with Flemish Deaf people reveals that the rise of Deaf empowerment in the north of Belgium was intimately tied to transnational contact. This current project seeks to look deeper into this phenomenon by asking: "What is the role of transnational contact in the international phenomenon of Deaf empowerment?" By looking at the rise of Deaf cultural rhetoric and Deaf empowerment in the context of a variety of countries, a better understanding of the role of a transnational Deaf community as a means of spreading the notion of Deaf empowerment can be gained. In this exploratory qualitative research study, the research data will be gathered by videotaped in-depth interviews with 25 international Deaf people at Gallaudet University, who will reflect upon their personal Deaf empowerment. The research findings will be discussed with a core group of 5 initially identified participants. On a theoretical level, this research aims to clarify similarities in Deaf lives across nation states. On a practical level, this research aims to help (young) deaf in their emancipation process and advocacy for their human rights. This project only started in the beginning of August 2005. Currently, the data collection has been completed and analysis has started. The investigator plans for the study to be completed and presented in Spring 2007.

Investigators