Hi5—July 26, 2019

Welcome to Hi5! Every week, we will share five newsworthy highlights from the desk of President Cordano. If you are interested in keeping up to date, open this email and check out all the new buzzworthy content! You may also watch Hi5 in American Sign Language. We welcome back Felicia Williams, ’12 & G-’13 of the Department of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies as our anchor!

WFD highlights

The XVIII World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf is underway in Paris. This quadrennial conference began Tuesday and ends tomorrow. Its theme is “Sign Language Rights for All.” President Cordano leads the Gallaudet delegation, and the university is a Platinum Sponsor of the conference. We are proudly sponsoring several speakers from all over the world. 

Gallaudet faculty, staff, students, and alumni are out in full force at WFD in a variety of roles, from WFD Board members to General Assembly delegates; from presenters to exhibitors. The vibrant activity of the WFD Youth Section is testimony that WFD is in good hands for many years to come. 

Here are some highlights of the week. Our social media platforms—Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram—also contain photos and videos of the week’s events.

Faculty member elected WFD President

Dr. Joseph J. Murray, professor in the Department of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, has been elected WFD President for 2019-2023. Murray has been involved with WFD for 24 years, starting with the 1995 WFD Youth Section camp, and most recently served as WFD Vice President. Congratulations!

Gallaudet, WFD sign cooperation agreement

History was made on Wednesday when Gallaudet and WFD signed a cooperation agreement. This agreement outlines ways that the university and the organization will work together for their mutual benefit. President Cordano, WFD President Colin Allen, and WFD President-elect Joseph Murray participated in the signing ceremony before a large crowd of onlookers. We look forward to a successful collaboration!

GAIN-Africa holds information sessions

Gallaudet in Nigeria-Africa is a new cooperative endeavor between Gallaudet, Wesley University, and the Nigerian National Association of the Deaf. GAIN-Africa conducted three information sessions on Tuesday to share its work with conference attendees.

The Americans with Disabilities Act turns 29

Today is the 29th anniversary of the signing into law of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). This law extends civil rights protections to people with disabilities to employment in the public and private sectors, transportation, public accommodations, services provided by state and local governments, and telecommunication relay services. Says President Cordano, “As with every major legislation, we must celebrate all that it has accomplished in providing greater opportunity, access and equity for our community, as well as for all people with disabilities. This is also a time to reflect on unintended impacts of the law and how we can continue to improve the circumstances of people along the spectrum of deaf identities.”

Have a good weekend!