Mission

Generating Deaf centered, evidence-driven resources for families, educators, healthcare professionals, and communities so all deaf and hard of hearing children, through complete access to language, will thrive.

Evidence-Based Approaches

Evidence from both rigorous research and lived experiences is crucial for making informed, effective decisions that truly address the needs of deaf and hard of hearing children.

Language as a Human Right

Access to language, especially during early childhood, is a fundamental human right for all deaf and hard of hearing children. This access ensures that they can learn, thrive, and fully participate in the world.

Value of Sign Languages

Sign languages are not only essential for the people who use them, but they are also critical to our understanding of the full breadth of human capacity for language, cognition, and communication.

Deaf Perspectives are Essential

Deaf perspectives are vital to the human experience, offering unique insights that shape cultural, educational, and social systems. Deaf individuals must lead and inform the systems that impact their lives.

Values

Our Services

Screen Shot 2022-04-05 at 5.41.52 PM (1).png

Research

Studying language, building evidence

We advance the science of sign language and early language development, studying how early experiences shape the way deaf and hard of hearing children learn, attend, and grow. Working at the intersection of linguistics, technology, and education, we document how languages are structured and explore how AI and innovative data collection can expand communication access.

Teaching

Preparing the next generation

We empower future educators and scholars through programs that bridge research and practice, from undergraduate pathways through doctoral study. Grounded in a bilingual-bicultural philosophy that centers ASL and English, our programs pair academic theory with immersive field experiences in Deaf communities, so students graduate ready to lead, innovate, and advocate.

Engagement

Building partnerships, leading changes

We partner with the communities that shape a deaf child’s world: families, educators, healthcare providers, companies, organizations, and the broader public. Through programs, events, and advocacy, we turn research into relationships and lasting change, ensuring the people closest to deaf children have the knowledge and confidence to support full language access.

Resource Development

From research to ready-to-use tools

We translate our research into Deaf-centered, evidence-based resources that families, educators, and providers can use right away. From standardized ASL assessments to signing datasets, tools, and informative resources, we put reliable guidance directly at the fingertips of the people who need it.