EMPOWERING DISAGREEMENT, DEBATE, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN DEAF AMERICA

Center for Democracy in Deaf America

Realizing a Democratic Society for Deaf Americans

Our vision at Center for Democracy in Deaf America (CDDA) is for an American democracy where deaf individuals possess the necessary knowledge, skills, values, access and motivation to actively participate in meaningful conversations, critically analyze and evaluate perspectives and make a positive impact in their communities and the country.

About CDDA

CDDA is a non-profit, non-partisan organization launched at Gallaudet University in Fall 2020. We believe that by empowering disagreement, debate, and civic engagement in Deaf America, we can build a more inclusive and just society for all.

Disagreement

Building Inclusive Spaces

At CDDA, we believe that disagreement is an essential component of a healthy democracy. It allows for the correction of power imbalances and the pursuit of a more equal and just society for all.

That’s why one of our main targets is to create diverse and inclusive spaces where deaf individuals can actively participate in difficult conversations across racial, ethnic, cultural, political, religious, ideological and linguistic differences in ASL and English.

We understand that having these types of conversations can be uncomfortable, but it is precisely through constructive engagement with people who look, think or talk differently from us that we can grow and learn. Our vision is for a country where deaf people are open-minded and welcome discomfort in pursuit of growth and understanding.

We strive to empower deaf individuals to engage in difficult conversations and to be active participants in shaping our democracy. We believe that by fostering disagreement, we can create a more inclusive and just society for all.

“Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.”

“Without freedom of speech and the right to dissent, the Civil Rights movement would’ve been a bird without wings."

“Managing dissent is about recognizing the value of disagreement, discord, and difference.”

Debate

Enhancing Critical Thinking and Persuasion

At CDDA, we recognize the importance of debate in a democratic society. Debate is the organized contest of ideas where knowledgeable participants research and critically discuss controversial topics with the goal of persuading the audience with logic and emotion that their side is more justified.

That’s why one of our main targets is to enliven critical thinking, intellectual humility, reasoned analysis, decorum, and rhetoric in deaf people through accessible debate programs in ASL and English. By providing these programs, we aim to empower deaf individuals to express themselves persuasively and engage in informed, respectful and productive debate.

We believe that through debate, we can foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and where individuals can learn from one another. Our vision is for a country where deaf people are actively engaged in informed and respectful debate, and where their voices are heard in shaping our democracy.

We strive to empower deaf individuals to engage in informed and productive debate, to be active participants in shaping our democracy, and to foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard.

“Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.”

“A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don't have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed.”

“The strongest democracies flourish from frequent and lively debate.”

Civic Engagement

Empowering to Make a Difference

At CDDA, we understand that civic engagement is crucial for the health and vitality of a democratic society. It refers to the actions and attitudes of citizens to participate in the life of their community and country.

That’s why one of our main targets is to foster the knowledge, skills, values, access, and motivation in deaf people to actively participate in the democratic process, advocate for themselves and others, and build inclusive communities.

We believe that by providing the tools and resources necessary for deaf individuals to become informed, active, and responsible citizens, they will be able to make a positive difference in their communities and the country. Our vision is for a country where deaf people are fully engaged and active members of their communities, and where their voices are heard in shaping our democracy.

We strive to empower deaf individuals to be active citizens, to participate in the democratic process, and to make a positive difference in their communities and the country. We believe that by fostering civic engagement, we can build an inclusive and just society for all.

“Democracy transformed from thin paper to thick paper is the greatest form of government on earth.”

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”

“We are bound by ideals that teach us what it means to be citizens. Every child must be taught these ideals. Every citizen must uphold them.... I ask you to be citizens. Citizens, not spectators. Citizens, not subjects. Responsible citizens building communities of service and a nation of character.”

A future where deaf and hard of hearing people, and their schools, programs, workplaces, and communities volunteer, vote, serve, and network with individuals and organizations inside and outside Deaf America to promote the quality of democracy.

Empowering Deaf Americans for Active Participation in Democracy

Gallaudet University is uniquely positioned to foster disagreement, debate, and civic engagement in Deaf America. The duty of the university to promote these values is deeply ingrained in its role as an institution of higher education. Deaf America | Problem and Solution

Gallaudet University

At Gallaudet, we are committed to furthering the university’s mission of ensuring the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf people in a rapidly changing world by building social capital, promoting conflict resolution, critical thinking, and rhetorical skills.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusive

We prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion by fostering active listening, critical self-reflection, and advocacy, and developing skills that empower and elevate students from marginalized backgrounds.

Deaf Gain

Through our emphasis on Deaf Gain, we illustrate the value of deaf people, sign language, and deaf education to humanity by capitalizing on the diversity and networks inherent in deaf communities to foster healthy skills and habits vital to American democracy.

Make Your Sign Count: Join the Gallaudet University Debate Team

Introducing the Gallaudet University debate team – the first of its kind in the university’s 158-year history. Formed during the 2020-2021 academic year, our team of skilled debaters has already made a strong impression in the debate world, having won against George Washington University in an exhibition debate conducted in ASL and English on the topic of “Statehood for Washington, D.C. should be granted.”

Gallaudet University Debate Team Makes History

April 1, 2022 | NBC4 Washington

Gallaudet University Debate Team Kicks Off 2022 Season

March 17, 2022 | CISON PRWeb

GU and GWU Intercollegiate Debate

April 21, 2021 | Gallaudet University

The debate team is just one of the programs offered under the Center for Democracy in Deaf America, which also conducts educational and outreach programs, including panel discussions, watch parties, voter registration drives. We also provide a youth debate competition for deaf and hard of hearing middle and high school students, learn more about the youth debate bowl here.

Additional Resources

Sign Vote

AAPD/REV UP

Civic Health Project

Citizen University Programs

Areas of Study