Day 1
- Opening Ceremony & Feature Presentation
- Research Presentations & Panel Discussions
- Cultural Showcase
Day 2
- Parallel Workshops
- Student Research Posters
- Feature Presentation & Roundtable Discussion
- Conference Dinner / Reception (optional)
Day 3
- Closing Workshops
- Closing Feature Presentation
- Entertainment
Feature Presenters
Dr Onudeah Nicolarakis
Keynote: "Leadership for Language Justice: Re-centering Deaf Children in Educational Systems in Local and Global Contexts"
Presenter Bio
“Dr Oni” is a dedicated educator, researcher, and advocate whose work centres on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community and inclusive education. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has taught DHH and hearing students across various educational settings, from early childhood to higher education.
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Dr Kristin Snoddon
Keynote: "Deaf Childhoods in the Caribbean"
Presenter Bio
Dr Snoddon is Professor and Graduate Program Director with the School of Early Childhood Studies, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada. Her research and professional experience include collaborative work with deaf communities in developing sign language and early literacy programming for young deaf children and their parents.
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Claudia L. Gordon Esq.
Ms Gordon is a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, leveraging over 30 years of versatile professional expertise and a personal mission to ensure equitable opportunities for all. She currently serves as the Senior Accessibility Strategist with T-Mobile US, Inc., driving strategies for a disability-inclusive culture and an accessible, equitable work environment.
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Maleni Chaitoo
Keynote: "Sign Language is the fundamental birthright, human right, and native language of Deaf individuals"
Presenter Bio
Ms Chaitoo’s professional prowess in the fields of Business, Education and Performing Arts are fueled by her versatile skill set, interests, experiences and passions followed. She has worked in the following industries: fashion, art galleries, film, television, digital marketing/advertising, video relay services, as well as education.
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Dr. Kimberly A. Wolbers
Keynote: "Rethinking Literacy: What Really Predicts Reading and Writing Success of Deaf Students?"
Presenter Bio
Dr Wolbers is Professor in the Deaf Education program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA, as well as Co-Director of the Theory & Practice of Teacher Education (TPTE) undergraduate program there. She earned her PhD from Michigan State University in 2007 with a focus in special education and literacy.
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Andre Witter
Yarett E. Piñeiro Rodríguez
Keynote: "When Trauma Disrupts Learning: A Neuroscience-Based Approach to Deaf Education"
Presenter Bio
Mrs Piñeiro Rodríguez is a Deaf scholar, educator, researcher, and international accessibility consultant specializing in sign language education, inclusive systems, neuroeducation, and Deaf community advocacy. Her work spans Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, North America, and the United Kingdom, with a focus on systemic change, linguistic rights, and equitable access to education and public services for Deaf individuals.
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