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Center for Democracy in Deaf America (CDDA)
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The CDDA is a Gallaudet-based non-partisan organization championing the development of democratic skills and habits through debate, civic engagement, and disagreement in English and ASL.
The core values of the CDDA are centered around providing students with an inclusive environment where all perspectives, experiences, and beliefs are respected and appreciated. Students in the CDDA will develop their skills in active listening, critique, and persuasion all while building a network with individuals both inside and outside of the deaf community as they work together to become advocates for positive change in their communities and country.
We aspire for an American democracy in which deaf people have the knowledge, skills, values, access, and motivation to:
The CDDA team is composed of deaf and hearing faculty, staff, students, and alumni affiliated with Gallaudet University who share a commitment to constructive disagreement, debate, and civic engagement.
We believe access to competitive debate in ASL will enliven critical thinking, intellectual humility, reasoned analysis, decorum, and rhetoric in the Deaf community. We strive to create a more tolerant, engaged, and perceptive Deaf community in which deaf and hard of hearing individuals become more knowledgeable and persuasive.
We believe the development of civic knowledge, skills, cohesion, and motivation through ASL is essential to making a difference through political and non-political processes. We hope for and work towards a future in which deaf and hard of hearing people are actively engaged in civic activities both inside and outside the Deaf community.
We believe deaf individuals deserve to have access to inclusive spaces that allow for critical self-reflection, the appreciation of differences, and participation in difficult conversations. Our goal is to establish a world of open-minded deaf people who welcome discomfort and seek growth by interacting with others that have different opinions, perspectives, identities, and experiences.
The atmosphere, ambition, and community of Gallaudet University further the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf people in a rapidly changing world by building social capital, conflict resolution, critical thinking, and rhetorical skills.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The values and practices of the CDDA including self-reflection, active listening, and social advocacy support our mission to create a safe and inclusive community with spaces where all are welcome.
Deaf Gain
The skills and habits developed by students as a part of the CDDA communicate the value of deaf people and deaf education to humanity by highlighting the diversity and contributions of the Deaf community.
CDDA is proud to have worked with the following centers, divisions, and organizations to host past events. Gallaudet University Student Body Government (SBG) Black Student Union (BSU) Gallaudet Youth Programs The Office of the Chief Bilingual Officer Division of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (DEDI) Gallaudet...
Deaf America refers to the unique spaces in the United States of America in which approximately one million deaf* people from all races, ethnicities, religions, socioeconomic classes, and political persuasions use American Sign Language (ASL) as the primary language of communication**. Deaf America comprises over...
Brendan Stern, Director Lorenzo Lewis, Director of Events and Programs Suzy Rosen Singleton, Assistant Coach, Gallaudet Debate Team Adam Bartley, GIS Liaison Lexi Hill, Student Director of Communications Grace Lester, Student Assistant Aubrey Moorman, Student Ambassador for Disagreement and Debate Romel Thurman, Student Ambassador for...
October 27, 2022
Assistant Professor
In-Class Tutor (ICT)
STAMP Coach
Interpreter
Student Assistant
Lecturer I
Supv Student CS Assist. (GTS)
Director of Communications
Brendan Stern