Language
What does BASL stand for?
Black American Sign Language
What does ADA stand for?
Americans with Disabilities Act
This Deaf Black creator uses social media to teach Black American Sign Language (BASL) and raise awareness about its unique signs and cultural history.
Nakia Smith
This was the first Deaf school in the United States to integrate Black Deaf students into a previously all-white Deaf school.
Alabama School for the Deaf
T/F: There were about 17 separate schools or programs for Black Deaf students in the United States during segregation.
True
This Deaf Black woman helped study Black ASL.
Carolyn McCaskill
T/F: Accessibility for Black Deaf people has been shaped by both race and disability.
True
What does NBDA stand for?
National Black Deaf Advocates (organization that supports leadership and rights for Black Deaf people.)
Name of first Black Deaf person to earn a PhD in the USA
Dr. Glenn B. Anderson
What type of institutions historically became important centers for Black Deaf culture, community, and education?
A) Public libraries
B) Churches
C) Community theaters
D) Sports clubs
B) Churches
Black ASL signs were influenced only by French Sign Language.
False; African American English (AAE)
About what percentage of Black Deaf adults are employed in the United States?
A) 25%
B) 42%
C) 60%
D) 80%
B) 42%
This Dallas-based organization advocates for accessibility and empowerment within the Black Deaf community.
Dallas Black Deaf Advocates (DBDA)
This Deaf Black man is called the “Father of Deaf Education in Africa."
Andrew Foster
This is the year when Deaf schools in the U.S. first allowed Black students to attend previously all-white programs.
1968
In what year was the term Black American Sign Language coined and formally introduced?
2011
Accessibility for Black Deaf communities means access that is effective, equitable, and what else?
Culturally aware
How many advocates founded the National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA)?
Eight
The majority of Black Deaf students historically attended schools in northern states.
False (Most segregated Black Deaf schools were in the southern U.S.)
T/F: National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) was founded before the first Black Deaf student integrated a white Deaf school.
False (NBDA was founded in 1980; school integration started in the 1960s.)
Why is BASL considered more than just a “different accent” of ASL?
It has unique grammar, signs, and cultural roots.
Beyond legal advocacy, this organization hosts events and discussions to raise awareness about the intersection of race and disability affecting Black Deaf people.
HEARD (Helping Educate to Advance the Rights of the Deaf)
This DeafBlind lawyer and disability rights advocate became the first DeafBlind graduate of Harvard Law School and is known for advancing accessibility and inclusion.
Haben Girma
This minor at Gallaudet University teaches students about Black Deaf history, Black ASL, African American storytelling, cultural identity, and intersectional issues in Deaf communities.
Black Deaf Studies
In which wars did Black Deaf soldiers form close-knit communities despite experiencing discrimination?
World War I, World War II, or Korean War.