The University of Iowa ASL Program faculty consists of Deaf, DeafBlind, and hearing individuals. We have designed our courses to teach American Sign Language and Deaf culture and to foster strong classroom communities among our students. Our classes are fully immersive to facilitate the development of receptive and expressive skills in ASL, but also to ensure equal visual access to classroom communication for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing. The ASL faculty strives to continually alter our curriculums to actively engage our students and reflect their diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. Through courses, campus events, and local community activities, we aim to bring awareness, educate, and promote American Sign Language and the Deaf community as natural parts of human diversity.

The principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are fundamental to the mission of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa, as we conduct our work in the context of the whole of humanity.

  • In our teaching, we draw on, explore, and question every facet of human experience and understanding.
  • In our scholarship, scientific inquiry, and artistry, we create new knowledge and insight, reflecting and shaping the cultures and societies in which human lives unfold.
  • In our service to Iowans, we collaborate with communities to solve critical problems arising from inequity.

DEI values are inseparable from those of the liberal arts tradition. To fully realize our college’s critical mission of advancing human understanding within that tradition, we must actualize these values in every aspect of our decision-making and every area of our academic community.