Deafness and Diversity
Deafness and Diversity encompasses students who are deaf/Deaf or hard of hearing (d/Dhh) with disabilities (DWD; e.g., autism, intellectual disabilities) and/or students who are deaf or hard of hearing multilingual learners (DML). Students who are DML come from homes where their caregivers speak a language other than English, nor do they use American Sign Language. The complexities of working with students who are DWD and DML are extensive, yet there is a dearth of research to support the ongoing education and assessment of these learners. Dr. Guardino is working with colleagues to close the research gap and provide professionals with the tools needed to more effectively serve this unique population of students. Dr. Guardino and her colleagues recently published a book entitled, Case Studies in Deaf Education: Inquiry, Application, and Resources, a text that provides professionals with “real life” scenarios representing the diversity of students within the field of deaf education. Dr. Guardino is currently co-editing and writing a text entitled, Deafness and Diversity (Vol. 1): Deaf with Disabilities, which will be published by Gallaudet University Press in the spring of 2019. This text will be followed by Deafness and Diversity (Vol. 2): Deaf Multilingual Learner, with an anticipated publication date in the year 2020.
Dr. Caroline Guardino is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Deaf Education Program at the University of North Florida. Her research interests involve literacy/technology and deafness as well as the inclusive learning environment for all children with disabilities. She enjoys teaching courses in both Exceptional Student and Deaf Education as this combined knowledge provides a platform for her passion to provide professionals with better strategies and services to educate students who are Deaf and Diverse.