A new organisation is founded
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The European organisation “European DeafUniversity” (DeafUni), led by Dr. Ingo Barth and founded in Berlin on 23rd March 2011, has set its long term goals. It is taking the American Gallaudet University as an example to found one in Europe.

A European private or state university for students who use sign language should be up and running within 10 years. Students and teachers from across Europe, from Lisbon to Moscow, Hammerfest to Valletta, but also from countries outside Europe, will breathe life into the first ever “European DeafUniversity”. A distinctive characteristic of this new university is the teaching – all lectures, seminars and exercises will be held mainly in European sign languages and in International Sign. The organisation is open to locate the DeafUni in any part of Europe.

The initiative is based on current reforms:

• Most European sign languages being indirectly recognised by the state by granting rights to the Deaf for interpreting and special education
• The right of inclusion according to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2008, recognised and ratified by many European countries
• Cancellation of the resolutions of the 1880 Congress in Milan by those of the International Congress on Education for the Deaf (ICED) Vancouver 2010

European countries are therefore called upon to finally accept and enable university education for the Deaf in their own language, sign language.

The target group for the new European DeafUni are not only the Deaf and hard of hearing people, but also hearing people. For people who do not yet master sign language and know nothing about the Deaf Culture, there will be various intensive courses on offer in the preparation year before studies commence. This will also be the case for Deaf who may wish to learn a new European sign language, or need to brush up on gaps in their education.

The organisation will develop a new inclusion concept which not only meets the unique needs of Deaf but also makes it possible for hearing people to enter the visual world of sign language and the Deaf Culture. Inclusion is the basis of the DeafUni. It is by no means a ghetto for the Deaf. Instead it expands on the current offer of the “normal” universities and institutes with regards to inclusion: for example, by employing lecturers qualified in sign language at the DeafUni and also sign language interpreters. Cooperation with these establishments is welcome. When developing the courses of study at the DeafUni and also when choosing the location of the DeafUni, the overall concept will take into account specific interests in content, innovative didactic concepts, and the demands of a successful life in modern society. Therefore the concept should develop out of the heart of the Deaf community and in cooperation with European organisations such as the European Union of the Deaf (EUD), the European Union of the Deaf Youth (EUDY), and DeafAcademics.

Additional possible goals and projects of the new organisation are

• Organising regular European events such as conferences and summer academies
• Holding project-led seminars and courses on European sign languages
• Gathering and documenting of signs for technical terms in preparation of the courses at the DeafUni
• Growing and strengthening the European network of Deaf students, lecturers, doctors and scientists.

A foundation is also planned to support these activities. Your contribution and support would also be greatly appreciated by the DeafUni team.

Contact: Dr. Ingo Barth, click here, please

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