I am pleased and honored to announce that I was invited to be a part of a deaf bloggers conference next month at Gallaudet University. I’d like to say up front that if anyone reading would like to come or would like to meet me while I’m in DC, or would like to email me questions or comments relating to this conference, to feel free to contact me or to leave a comment. Thank you! And man do I feel lucky to get to participate. I only hope I stay vertical.
‘Vlogging/Blogging the Future of Gallaudet’
This conference will be held February 3 at Gallaudet (9 am – 5 pm, location tba)
Organized by the Coalition for Critical Inquiry
Internet communication played a major role during the recent protests at Gallaudet, even catching the attention of media analysts outside the deaf community. Vlogs and blogs were used heavily to share information, publicize fast-breaking news, and debate events and issues. Popular websites generated unprecedented traffic levels and several crashed during the arrests as thousands of people sought live updates from bloggers on the scene. Other sites hosted lengthy discussions about the protest, with people from all corners of the deaf world coming together in sometimes respectful, sometimes raucous debates. What changes will come to Gallaudet as a result of these discussions? How is vlogging/blogging impacting the deaf community? How will new communication technology continue to change the shape of our world?
This one-day conference, organized by the Coalition for Critical Inquiry, will explore these and other questions. Noted deaf vloggers/bloggers will share their experiences and ideas about how Gallaudet and the deaf community should move forward after the protests. Participants have been selected based on quality of previous posts about the protests and represent diverse perspectives in the deaf community. The conference is open to the public and will be available online via realtime captioning and. Voice and ASL interpreters will be provided.
The Coalition for Critical Inquiry provides public forums for objective debate and critical reflection on controversial issues affecting Gallaudet’s future. Membership is open to students, faculty, staff, and teachers. Its goal is to model intellectual dialogue, respect for diverse viewpoints, and commitment to social justice for the Gallaudet and larger deaf community. All events organized by the coalition are committed to presenting a range of perspectves to help members of the community come to informed opinions and decisions.
For more information about the conference or the Coalition, contact Jill.Bradbury@gallaudet.edu
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Tentative Conference Schedule / List of Panelists:
Panel 1: “Whither Gallaudet?” (9-10:30 am)
Presenters:
Robert Cox (Deaf DC)
David Evans (mrsandman)
Ryan Commerson (Signcasts)
Elisa Abenchuchan (elisawrites)
Moderator: TBA
Respondent: TBA
Panel 2: “Future Visions of Deaf Identity” (10:45-12:15)
Presenters:
Alok Doshi
Chris Leon (Chris Leon’s Roar)
Kristi Merriweather
Rebecca Wilova (Bellamoden)
Moderator: Christopher Heuer (Tactile Mind)
Respondent: Cheryl Wu
Panel 3: “The Futuristic Classroom” (1:15-2:45 pm)
Presenters:
Katie Roberts
Patti Albee (Curious Eyes)
Mike McConnell (Kokonutpundits)
Carl Shcroeder (Kalalau’s Corner)
Moderator: TBA
Respondent: Karen Kimmel
Keynote Panel: “Vlogging/Blogging and the Future of the Deaf Community” (3-5 pm)
Presenters:
Joey Baer (ASL Vlog)
Jared Evans (DeafRead)
Taylor Mayer (DeafRead)
Shane Feldman (Deaf DC)
Elizabeth Gillipsie (mishkazena)
Moderator: Allison Kaftan
Respondent: Tara Schupner
