Lunch and Learn Event Explores Deaf People in the Media

On Nov. 26 from noon to 1:30 p.m., the college will host a Diversity and Inclusion Lunch and Learn session about deaf people in the media.

Samantha Schullo,a student from Western Michigan University's American Sign Language program will present the session. The topic is the (mis)representation of deaf people in media, specifically commercials. Participants will explore ads from the past 30 years that show deaf people and/or sign language themes. Members of the audience will have a chance to participate in a discussion about the accuracy of the culture and/or linguistics that are displayed and the perceptions hearing and deaf people have about those representations. A panel will include a graduate from Gallaudet University, members of the deaf community, a professor of business and marketing from WMU and an instructor from Kalamazoo Valley's Center for New Media. The event is facilitated by ASL instructor Jamie Rix and takes place in Room 4230 at the Texas Township Campus.