Deaf Studies Students

This event will allow participants to learn about the latest in assistive listening devices and resources to assist with accessibility at home, work or recreation. There will be new presentations as well as additional new vendors available.

TAD Conference 2025
Location: Wilson County Fairgrounds, 945 E Baddour Pkwy, Lebanon, TN
Dates: Friday, October 17 – Saturday, October 18, 2025

Hosted by the Nashville Chapter of the Tennessee Association of the Deaf, this two-day event brings together Deaf individuals, advocates, and supporters from across Tennessee. Attendees can look forward to inspiring performances, engaging workshops, networking opportunities, and cultural celebrations—all in American Sign Language.

Whether you're attending to learn, socialize, or connect, this conference offers a valuable space for enriching Deaf culture and strengthening community bonds in the region. Visit the Nashville TAD chapter’s page for registration details, sponsorship opportunities, and updates.

2025 SCAD Conference is the premier gathering hosted by the South Carolina Association of the Deaf, bringing together the Deaf community for a weekend of learning, networking, and celebration. Featuring workshops, guest speakers, entertainment, and cultural events—all in American Sign Language—the conference promotes unity, advocacy, and empowerment. Don’t miss this chance to connect with old friends, make new ones, and strengthen the Deaf community in South Carolina and beyond!

Southern Baptist Conference of the Deaf (SBCD) is a nationwide ministry dedicated to connecting, equipping, and encouraging Deaf Southern Baptists. Through annual conferences, resources, and local church support, SBCD provides a welcoming space for Deaf believers to grow in faith, fellowship, and leadership. Committed to making the Gospel accessible in American Sign Language, SBCD empowers the Deaf community to share Christ’s love and serve in His mission together.

We are looking for scholoarships. We will post them here momentarily. 

Alerts Deaf parents when their baby is crying using vibration, flashing lights, or smartphone notifications.
Examples: Snuza Hero SE, VTech DM221 with Vibrating Alerts

Designed to wake Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals through strong vibrations and flashing lights instead of sound.
Examples: Sonic Boom Alarm Clock, ShakeAwake Alarm Clock

Replace traditional sound-based alerts with flashing lights or vibrations for alarms, doorbells, and phone calls.
Examples: Sonic Alert Strobe Light Doorbell, Silent Call Alert System

Click the link below for more information. 

NAI North Carolina is the North Carolina chapter of the National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAI), dedicated to establishing and enforcing statewide standards for educational interpreters under the NC Interpreter and Transliterator Licensing Act. It collaborates closely with the NC Interpreter and Transliterator Licensing Board—which sets credentialing requirements like national certification or interpreter training degrees—and the Department of Public Instruction, which oversees interpreter classifications in schools . Currently, legislation is advancing to remove exemptions for educational interpreters, making licensure mandatory from the 2025–2026 school year onward.

CASLI Exams for RID Certification outlines the testing pathway administered by the Center for Assessment of Sign Language Interpretation (CASLI) to determine eligibility for national credentials through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). Candidates must pass the two-part CASLI Generalist Knowledge Exam—which includes a Fundamentals section and an Ethics & Cultural Responsiveness case-study portion—and then complete the appropriate CASLI Generalist Performance Exam tailored to either Deaf or hearing interpreters; previous NIC and CDI exams have been retired, and bridge or gap tests may apply for those transitioning from older versions . Additionally, all exam components must be passed within a specified testing cycle (usually five years, extended in some cases), and fees vary depending on exam type and RID membership status.

Interpreters Helping Interpreters is a private Facebook support group for deaf and hearing sign language interpreters, as well as interpreter training students. It serves as a collaborative space to share resources—like continuing education tips, job leads, mental‑health support, and technical advice—with a focus on peer mentorship and professional growth . Whether you're studying, working, or preparing for certification, the group fosters a supportive community dedicated to advancing interpreting excellence.

Interpreters of Medical Spanish is a private Facebook group that connects Spanish–English medical interpreters, healthcare professionals, and trainees. Members share job leads, continuing education opportunities, terminology resources, and best practices for working in clinical settings. It's a supportive online community for networking, professional development, and navigating the healthcare interpreting field.

K-12 Interpreter Peer Support is a private Facebook group designed for sign language interpreters working in K–12 educational settings. It offers a space for members to share resources, discuss classroom strategies, get advice on IEP meetings and curriculum access, and offer mutual support. The group fosters a tight-knit community aimed at enhancing interpreting practices and educational outcomes for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Court Interpreter Exam Prep is a private Facebook group where aspiring court interpreters gather to prepare for the oral exam, share study tips, and form peer support networks. Members ask and answer questions about test formats, preparation resources, and strategies specific to Federal Court and state certification exams . It's a focused, collaborative space for those working toward official court interpreting credentials.

ASL Interpreters Connect is a private Facebook group uniting ASL interpreters, students, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. It’s a dynamic forum for sharing job opportunities, continuing education events, best practices, and classroom or field interpreting tips. With a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, the group supports ongoing professional development and community-building among sign language interpreters.

October 14, 2025, 5:30pm - 6pm.

May 13, 2025, 5:30pm - 6pm.

April 8, 2025, 5:30pm - 6pm.

April 5th, 2025 in Greensboro, NC. DeafNation is the foremost touring trade show for, by, and about deaf people.

Visit our events page!

Certifies American Sign Language interpreters and promotes quality language access.

Provides education and support services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Blind students.

Offers Deaf culture programs, ASL classes, and advocacy services.

Advocates for Deaf rights, accessibility, and inclusion in North Carolina.

Deaf YouTuber and Influencer

Founder of DEAFinitely Dope

Actor, Filmmaker, and Deaf Advocate

Academy Award-Winning Actress

Deaf Performer

- A documentary following three Deaf families as they navigate the hearing world.  
- Highlights different perspectives on Deaf culture, education, and communication.

- A short film showcasing Deaf accessibility in the film industry.  
- Features Deaf and Hard of Hearing creatives in Hollywood.

- Explores Black American Sign Language (BASL) and its cultural significance.  
- Features interviews with Deaf linguists and Black Deaf community members.

- A PBS documentary exploring Deaf history and culture in the U.S..  
- Features interviews with Deaf historians, activists, and community members.

- Follows a drummer experiencing sudden hearing loss and his journey into the Deaf community.  
- Features Deaf actors and consultants, including Paul Raci and Lauren Ridloff.

- Examines how ASL is increasingly recognized as an official language in education.  
- Supports Deaf events & education initiatives to expand ASL learning.

- Discusses the history and linguistic uniqueness of Black American Sign Language (BASL).  
- Highlights the importance of diversity in the Deaf community.

- A neurologist’s exploration of Deaf culture and ASL.  
- Discusses how language shapes thought and identity in the Deaf community.

- Critiques how hearing institutions and medical perspectives have tried to "fix" Deaf individuals.  
- Advocates for Deaf pride, inclusion, and accessibility.

- Explores the history, language, and identity of the Deaf community.  
- Written by two Deaf scholars, it examines how ASL and Deaf culture shape the Deaf experience.

Marlee Signs – BridgingApps is a free app hosted on BridgingApps designed to help users begin learning American Sign Language (ASL) at their own pace, guided by Academy Award–winning actress and deaf advocate Marlee Matlin .

InterSign – Learn ASL is a free, Duolingo-style app offering a structured ASL curriculum with 200+ lessons across themed sections. Users earn rewards, play interactive games, and practice with a built‑in sign dictionary and videos from ASL experts.

The ASL App is a Deaf‑led, conversational American Sign Language resource offering over 2,500 signs and phrases taught by native signers. It features slow‑motion playback, favorites for review, and on‑the‑go usability—no subscription required, just a one‑time purchase to unlock all content . Designed for casual practice in everyday settings, it is praised for its clean video-based instruction and intuitive navigation

Lingvano – Learn ASL is a subscription-based online platform offering bite-sized, interactive video lessons in American Sign Language taught exclusively by Deaf instructors, complete with quizzes, vocabulary trainers, and a handy sign dictionary . Its gamified learning experience—including streaks, adjustable video playback, and a mirror feature for practicing your signing—makes it engaging and effective.

Hands On ASL is a free iOS app that uses interactive 3D hand models—zoomable and rotatable in 360°—to teach you ASL fingerspelling through engaging quizzes and real-time practice . It features multi-level exercises where you can beat your own high scores and unlock rewards, with customization options like different skin tones

We’re putting together study guides for you. Once they’re ready, we’ll share them here.

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Tennessee RID Fall Conference 2025 is a professional development event for interpreters and students dedicated to advancing interpreting excellence in Tennessee. Hosted by the Tennessee Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (TNRID), the conference offers workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities designed to enhance skills, share knowledge, and strengthen the interpreting community. Join fellow professionals to learn, grow, and support high-quality interpreting services across the state.

2025 SERID Conference is a leading regional event dedicated to professionals serving people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind across the Southeast. Set for November 7-9, 2025 in Atlanta, GA, this annual conference offers dynamic workshops, expert speakers, networking opportunities, and valuable resources. Join educators, interpreters, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and community members to share knowledge, strengthen skills, and promote accessibility and inclusion throughout the region.

The NC Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing holds regular council meetings open to the public, providing a vital platform for discussing issues, policies, and services impacting Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities across North Carolina. These meetings are an opportunity to stay informed, share input, and work collaboratively toward improving accessibility and resources statewide. Visit their page to see upcoming meeting dates and learn how you can participate in shaping a more inclusive North Carolina! Upcoming meeting dates are August 1st and Novemeber 7th.

Deaf Evangelism Ministry Conference – July 2025 is a special gathering dedicated to equipping and encouraging Deaf Christians in sharing the Gospel. Hosted in Ridgecrest, North Carolina, this 5-day event offers inspiring preaching, Bible studies, workshops, and fellowship—all in American Sign Language. Join Deaf believers and ministry leaders from across the country to grow spiritually, connect in community, and strengthen your calling to serve.

Integrates visual and vibration-based notifications for alarms, security systems, and daily reminders.
Examples: Amazon Echo with visual alerts, Google Nest Hub, Apple HomeKit Accessibility Features

Converts spoken words into real-time text for conversations, meetings, or presentations.
Examples: AVA, Otter.ai, Google Live Transcribe

Provides a visual notification when someone is at the door, allowing users to see visitors without relying on sound.
Examples: Ring Video Doorbell, Nest Hello

Display real-time captions of phone conversations, enabling Deaf and Hard of Hearing users to read what the other person is saying.
Examples: CapTel Phones, ClearCaptions

Click the link below to download the PDF

NAI South Carolina is the state chapter of the National Association of Interpreters in Education, focused on establishing and upholding regulations that govern educational interpreters—such as compliance with Regulation 43‑243.2 scheduled to begin in August 2025 . They collaborate with institutions like Clemson University’s South Carolina Educational Interpreting Center and the SC School for the Deaf and Blind to support interpreter training, certification, and mentorship. Through this coordinated network, they aim to ensure high-quality ASL interpreting services and equitable educational access for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students statewide.

NAOBI‑DC (National Alliance of Black Interpreters – DC Chapter) is a nonprofit professional network founded in 1999 to uplift and empower African American/Black sign language interpreters. They provide mentorship, continuing education units (CEUs), workshops, community events, and advocacy to advance members’ leadership and interpreting excellence . By connecting interpreters with resources, fellow professionals, and opportunities, NAOBI‑DC fosters recruitment, networking, and professional development with an emphasis on cultural responsiveness.

The Legal Interpreter is a private Facebook group of approximately 4,000 legal sign language interpreters dedicated to peer support, professional growth, and sharing industry-specific insights. Members regularly post questions about handling courtroom situations—like preparing for Federal Court exams, test clients, or law enforcement interpreting workshops—and share information on mini‑courses and CEU opportunities . The group serves as a go-to hub for networking, mentoring, and staying current in the legal interpreting field.

Educational Interpreter Support Group is a private Facebook community specifically for sign language interpreters working in educational settings. Members use the space to discuss practical challenges like classroom dynamics, IEP meetings, and working with teachers or state guidelines. It offers peer mentorship, question-and-answer threads, job leads, and shared resources—all aimed at improving practice and support for educational interpreting.

Interpreter Peer Support is a private Facebook group that brings together sign language interpreters and interpreter students for mutual support, resource sharing, and peer mentorship. Members connect to ask questions, discuss best practices, offer advice on interpreting challenges, and share job leads or CEU opportunities. The group fosters a welcoming, collaborative environment dedicated to professional growth and peer empowerment.

ASL Interpreter Certification Test Prep is a private Facebook group for American Sign Language interpreters and students preparing for certification exams like NIC, BEI, EIPA, CASLI, and CDI. It serves as a collaborative forum to share study strategies, testing resources, peer support, and exam insights—especially for those aiming to pass interpreting tests through discussion and advice.

ASL Interpreters & Trainees Hub is a private Facebook group that brings together current and aspiring American Sign Language interpreters for networking, learning, and mutual support. Members share job leads, continuing education events, classroom strategies, and interpreting resources, while also offering encouragement through certification journeys. The group serves as a supportive and inclusive space for professional growth and community engagement.

September 9, 2025, 5:30pm - 6pm.

April 12, 2025. 10:00 AM  3:00 PM. There will be an RSVP cut off for this meeting. In order to attend, you must RSVP before March 28.

March 11, 2025, 5:30pm - 6pm.

July 31–August 3, 2025 in Minneapolis, MN. This conference is for members, community members, and aspiring interpreters.

Provides nationwide Deaf community programs, technology solutions, and interpreting services.

The largest civil rights organization advocating for Deaf culture, language rights, and accessibility across the U.S.

Focuses on Deaf advocacy, accessibility, and community engagement in South Carolina.

Provides interpreting services, community programs, and advocacy for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Deaf Twin Travel Bloggers

Linguist and ASL Researcher

Disability Rights Attorney

Deaf Dancer and Choreographer

Deaf Content Creator and Advocate

Model, Actor, and Deaf Activist

- The first feature film directed by a Deaf filmmaker and starring a Deaf superhero.  
- Promotes Deaf culture and positive representation.

- An Oscar-winning short film about a Deaf child finding her voice through sign language.  
- Stars Maisie Sly, a Deaf actress, and highlights Deaf education struggles.

- A Netflix reality series following Deaf students at Gallaudet University.  
- Offers an authentic look at Deaf culture, relationships, and identity.

- A documentary exposing discrimination against Deaf individuals (audism).  
- Shares real-life experiences from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

- Academy Award-winning film about a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) navigating life between the Deaf and hearing worlds.  
- Features Deaf actors, including Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Daniel Durant.

- Challenges the idea that deafness is a disability and instead argues for its cultural and linguistic benefits.  
- Advocates for Deaf events & inclusion in mainstream society.

- A practical ASL guidebook written by a Deaf educator.  
- Teaches everyday phrases and promotes fun in sign language.

- A modern look at Deaf identity, education, and community advocacy.  
- Covers topics like Deaf organizations, accessibility, and fun in sign language.

- A deep dive into the Deaf experience, Deaf culture, and ASL.  
- Covers Deaf education, sign language interpreters, and Deaf community events.

- A personal and historical look at Deaf culture, education, and language.  
- Cohen, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), provides insights into the Deaf experience at the Lexington School for the Deaf.

ASL.ms is a free, web-based toolkit focused on helping learners practice ASL fingerspelling through adjustable-speed quizzes and drills originally designed for college students but now available to everyone . The site also provides insights into Deaf education, baby-signing for hearing children, and ASL linguistics, highlighting its roots in Deaf-led learning.

SignSchool is a free, video-based ASL learning platform offering a modular curriculum, interactive exercises, and quizzes on both web and mobile (iOS/Android). You can browse thousands of signs by category or handshape, reinforce learning through the “Fingerspelling Game” and “Sign of the Day,” and use slow-motion playback for clarity and precision . Ideal for beginners and intermediate learners, it’s praised for its diverse signer representation and engaging review tools, though some users note limited in-depth lessons and occasional fast-paced quizzes.

ASL Bloom is a freemium platform by SignLab that offers 20+ engaging, gamified modules—each with video lessons, quizzes, visual dictionary access, and grammar/cultural tips—to help beginners learn American Sign Language at their own pace . With spaced repetition, progress tracking, and AI-powered retention support, users can effectively build conversational skills and retain over 1,300 signs and sentences. Praised by learners for its structured, phrase-based approach and fun learning experience, ASL Bloom is a strong choice for those starting out or looking to deepen their ASL knowledge.

ASLdeafined is a subscription-based Android app offering comprehensive American Sign Language video lessons and an extensive 18,000+ sign dictionary taught by Deaf experts, tailored for learners of all ages—including Deaf students, parents, and the wider community . With themed lessons, retention exercises, quizzes, customizable vocab banks, and progress tracking, it delivers a structured and interactive ASL learning experience.

Sign Language ASL Pocket Sign is a free Android app by MobiReactor that offers hundreds of bite-sized video lessons, an ASL dictionary, and quizzes to help users learn sign language gradually . With over 1 million downloads and a stellar 4.8‑star rating from nearly 28 K reviews, it’s praised for its clear teaching style—though some lessons and flashcards are gated behind a daily free lesson or subscription.  Designed for learners of all ages, it also includes baby signs, the alphabet, and everyday phrases in a fun, interactive format

North Carolina Sign Language Studies & Interpreter Education Programs Directory provides a statewide, regularly updated (last in March 2023) listing of colleges, community programs, and private providers offering ASL instruction or interpreter training across different regions of North Carolina . Hosted by the NC Department of Health & Human Services’ Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, it clearly labels each institution as offering Sign Language Studies, Interpreter Education Programs, or Private Classes, but stops short of endorsing any particular offering. The resource also highlights free, virtual ASL courses and encourages learners to subscribe to the DSDHH events calendar or reach out to regional specialists for customized or small-group classes.

Click below to download a list of ITP courses. 

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