CONFERENCE THEME
SIGN LANGUAGE AS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE:
EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY
Conference dates: June 4-8, 2025
INTRODUCTION
The Deaf Academic Conference 2025 at the University of Houston is a groundbreaking event dedicated to advancing research, scholarship, and dialogue within the Deaf community and among Deaf professionals working in Deaf studies, sign language interpretation, Deaf education, and related fields. This conference provides a unique platform for Deaf academics, researchers, and allies to share their work, foster collaboration, and explore critical issues affecting the Deaf community. By bringing together a diverse group of scholars and practitioners, the conference aims to promote inclusive practices, enhance understanding, and contribute to the empowerment of Deaf individuals in various academic and professional settings.
INSTRUCTIONS
We welcome submissions on any research topic.
•The author's name may appear on a maximum of two submissions.
•Please submit separate abstracts for each presentation.
•Each author may have up to two abstracts submitted to the conference.
•Only one single-authored abstract submission is allowed per author.
•Please note that in order to be able to submit an abstract, you will need to fill out the abstract- LINK
•Submissions via our online will be in International Sign and English.
•Select one – Presentation or Poster
•Presentations at the conference will be in International Sign and English.
•Please include 3-5 keywords (separated by commas) for your abstract in the corresponding field.
SUBMISSION FORMAT (in person)
Presentations: 40 minutes followed by 10 minutes of discussion
Proposal: Less than 500 words
Posters:
Proposal: Less than 500 words
Poster in landscape format: 48" wide x 36" high (121.92 x 91.44 cm)
CONFERENCE STRANDS
EDUCATIONAL INNOVATIONS, PRACTICES, & INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
• Effective teaching methodologies using sign language.
• Curriculum development for sign language education
• Bilingual education: Sign language and spoken/written language.
• Comparative studies of sign language usage and education globally
• International sign language research and advocacy
• Learning from global initiatives and best practices
CULTURAL IDENTITY, COMMUNITY, INTERSECTIONALITY, DIVERSITY
• The role of sign language in shaping Deaf culture
• Promoting sign language within the Deaf community
• Intersectionality: Sign language, cultural identity, and other aspects of diversity
• Intersection of sign language with race, gender, and other identities
• Promoting diversity and inclusion within the Deaf community
• Addressing challenges faced by marginalized groups within the Deaf community.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND DEAFBLIND ADAPTATIONS
• Development and impact of sign language translation technologies
• Accessibility features in digital platforms and devices
• The role of artificial intelligence in sign language recognition and usage
• Tactile sign language and other communication methods
• Assistive technologies for Deaf Blind individuals
• Educational strategies for Deaf Blind students
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
• Mental health resources and support for Deaf individuals
• The role of sign language in mental health care
• Addressing social isolation through sign language and community support
STEM EDUCATION AND CAREERS
• Integrating sign language in STEM education
• Success stories and challenges of Deaf professionals in STEM
• Strategies for supporting Deaf students in STEM fields
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
• Advocacy for sign language recognition and rights
• Policy changes and their impact on sign language accessibility
• The role of organizations in promoting sign language usage
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