The Life Of Donna

Introduction Disability and Deaf studies have evolved dramatically in recent decades to reframe deafness not as a medical deficit but as a socio-cultural phenomenon. Gone are the days when deafness was universally seen through the lens of “loss.” Instead, emerging frameworks such as Deaf Gain have shifted the discourse to recognize deafness as contributing to human diversity and creativity. However, even within Deaf culture, dynamics of privilege and exclusion remain. Scholars have highlighted that the category “Deaf” has often privileged white, able-bodied, cisgender signers, marginalizing those whose experiences do not fit neatly into normative Deaf narratives. This paper explores the ways Deaf identities are shaped by intersectionality and history and…

When we think about culture, we often picture national flags, traditional foods, or distinctive ways of life. But culture runs much deeper. For the Deaf community, culture is not defined by geographic borders or visible customs, but by a shared language, rich traditions, and a profound sense of belonging. This article explores what Deaf culture is, how it has evolved, and why it matters, drawing from key research and contributions from pivotal figures in Deaf studies. What Is Deaf Culture? Deaf culture refers to the unique social beliefs, behaviors, art, history, and shared institutions of communities affected by deafness and who use sign language as the main means of communication.…

When I think about Deaf leaders and the organizations that shaped them, it feels personal. These aren’t just names and logos. They are stories of people who pushed boundaries and made spaces where none existed before. Gallaudet University: Where Dreams Take Shape Gallaudet University isn’t just a school. It’s where Deaf culture breathes, debates spark, and futures are made. For generations, Gallaudet has been the heartbeat of the Deaf community worldwide. I can’t help but think of T. Alan Hurwitz. Born Deaf, he didn’t just sit at the table—he led it. Becoming the tenth president of Gallaudet was more than a personal achievement. It was a collective victory for every…

Out-of-Class Exercise: Deaf & DeafBlind Communities and Spaces Name: Donna MelenaCourse: SOCI-240 Deaf & DeafBlind Communities and Spaces by Professor Amiee WhyteDate: February 2025 Part 1: Community Cultural Wealth What is Community Cultural Wealth (Yosso, 2005)?Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) is a strengths-based framework that shifts the narrative from deficit thinking. Instead of viewing marginalized communities as lacking, CCW acknowledges the unique skills, knowledge, and social resources these communities possess, such as aspirational, linguistic, familial, social, navigational, and resistant capital. What is Deaf Community Cultural Wealth (DCCW)?DCCW is an adaptation of Yosso’s CCW, tailored to highlight the distinctive strengths within the Deaf community. These include the richness of ASL, shared lived…

Reflection Paper — CODA Panel: Deaf & Signing Families (March 20, 2025) Donna Melena SOCI-240 — Deaf and DeafBlind Communities and Spaces Aimee Whyte | Spring 2025 Introduction: Why I Chose This Presentation On March 20, 2025, our class was privileged to attend a powerful CODA Panel in SDC 1300, titled “Deaf & Signing Families.” From the moment the panel began, I felt drawn in. As someone deeply connected to Deaf culture and raised in a Deaf family, this presentation felt personal. Yet, even with my background, the unique experiences shared by the CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults) expanded my perspective. I chose this presentation because it brought forward voices…