Community Engaged Learning and Research

I feel that INTR1100 has been really helpful in allowing and encouraging us to interact with the Deaf community often. The required hours are the initial push, but that only helps us to get more comfortable and I find a lot of us start finding extra events we can participate in just because we want to be there. 

I did discuss this with two cohort members, Stephanie and Aleecia. We talked about how the interpreting practice and feedback we receive in this class is incredibly valuable when interacting with the community. Outside of general exposure and practice, it helps us to improve and not get stuck in our ways early on. We are always changing and trying to be more aware of the little things such as facial expressions or use of space. It makes us more aware of conversation style preferences and what things within our signing we might adjust based on where we are and who we are interacting with. I feel this is applicable because we are unable to engrain ourselves in said community or do any kind of good, without first being able to communicate clearly. That is what the community needs from us as students and, in the future, interpreters. This class offers us practice which will help us gain confidence and do well in the long run.

I decided to research Sego Lily Center for Abused Deaf. I did this through their website, and another website that discusses Utah history. I found an article that was written by Jodi Becker Kinner, I will provide the links below. SLCAD aims to provide an environment that empowers Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind people. They offer culturally accessible services, advocacy and education that promote community safety. 

This organization offers different services including: counseling, child and teen programs, positive parenting training, educational workshops, and accessible shelter. As it is an organization meant to aid Deaf abuse victims, that is the community they focus on. This can range from sexual assault to domestic violence. 

Community engaged learning and research is shown by their continued efforts within their community. In order to provide counseling, workshops, or parental training in any capacity, you need to be aware of what your targeted community is in need of. They focus on making sure they are able to provide this in a culturally accessible way. At least 51% of their board members are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, and fully fluent in ASL. 

I definitely see myself getting involved with this organization once I am more fluent and able to do so. As someone who has similar experiences, and is now also becoming more involved with the Deaf community, I feel this is something my schema would allow me to be a great fit for. I really admire the work they do, which is why I chose them as the community partner for this paper. 

https://segolily.org/

https://www.utahdeafhistory.com/history-of-the-sego-lily-center-for-the-abused-deaf.html