Equity and Inclusion

The Learning Center for the Deaf is on a journey to create an inclusive and welcoming space for people of all backgrounds. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates our TLC community members' diverse narratives. We embrace and value multiple approaches, experiences, and perspectives. TLC believes that diversity fosters innovation. We are committed to cultivating a place where everyone can feel they belong.

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."

(Maya Angelou)

TLC Diversity and Cultural Awareness Calendar

The transgender flag. Six horizontal rows of color. Top to bottom: blue, pink, white, pink, blue

Supporting Transgender Youth

Every student has the right to feel safe and supported in their environment. Here are some resources that may help support the education, discussion and advocacy efforts for transgender students:

GLSEN
Resources for Transgender Youth in Texas
Supporting Transgender Kids in K-12 Schools
National Center for Transgender Equality
Growing Up Transgender and Deaf
LGBT Section of NAD
Gallaudet Resources for LGBTQA

Resources for Discussions About the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

For Students:
How to Talk With Students About the Russia-Ukraine War: 5 Tips
How to Talk to Kids About the Ukraine Invasion
How to Talk with Children About the Conflict in Ukraine

For Families/Educators:
What I did today when students asked about Ukraine
How to talk to kids about Ukraine
Teaching about Ukraine
Ukraine invasion — explained

Women's History Month

March is National Women's History Month. And although women make up half of the world’s population, and there have been countless inspiring women who have made tremendous global impacts, in many parts of the world, women continue to struggle with unequal systems and disadvantages because of their gender. The ADL 2022 theme for Women's History Month is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”

Resources to Consider:
Footsteps to Inspire Us: Women Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Blind and Low Vision, and Deaf-Blind
Deaf Women's HERstory
Women's History Month: Learning for Justice
Women's History Month: Library of Congress
Women's History Month in the Classroom
Women's History Month Resources

Resources for Black History Month

PBS Black Culture Connection
Learning for Justice
NEH EDSITEment
DCMP Black Deaf Culture & History
National Black Deaf Advocates
Facing History and Ourselves
Teaching Black History in Culturally Responsive Ways
Center for Racial Justice in Education
Deaf Culture and Race

TLC CEIO Kyle Amber Clark and School Counselor DeLasha Singleton hosted a critical conversation about the meaning of the decolonization of Thanksgiving. Instead of canceling holidays, we invite people to think about how they can recognize the day of ‘giving back,’ acknowledging the land where we reside, honor the food shared by the Native Americans, learn more about cultures through stories, and connect with our children through a culturally responsive paradigm. We can celebrate by sharing what the day meant for the Indigenous and Native Americans.

Click Here for Additional Resources

Justice for Minneapolis: A Statement from TLC Following the Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

Click Here for Transcript

#StopAntiAsianHate: A Message from TLC Leadership

Click Here for Transcript

A woman with short white curly hair and glasses stands in front of a blue background. She is wearing a black shirt with white letters BLACK LIVES MATTER

Equity & Inclusion Office’s Statement about January 6th, 2021 Insurrection at Capitol

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Insurrection at the United States Capitol on January 6th, 2021: Resources for Critical Dialogues:

Our Racial Equity Plan

TLC's Racial Equity Plan presents short-and long-term goals and actions aimed at creating a culture that is truly inclusive. This is an initial, and therefore dynamic, document; new versions will be released as we hold meetings, forums, and create change.

Read our PlaN (PDF)

Related: TLC Welcomes Kyle Amber Clark as Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer

A Black woman in front of a gray screen, in a black shirt, explaining the TLC Racial Equity Plan.

Time for Change

TLC Racial Equity Statement

Equity and Inclusion ASL Resources for Families:

Below is a collection of resources to help individuals learn more about fostering a culture of racial equity that is taught on every level and practiced in every way. Our list of links below includes a collection of articles, books, videos and other resources to support you. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but ever-evolving; We will continue to add resources as they are appropriately evaluated.