Ishara Ramkissoon

Dr. Ramkissoon earned her MA in Audiology and PhD in Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois. She directs the Multicultural Research Lab at Gallaudet University, focused on aging, auditory assessment, multicultural and environmental concerns, and curriculum review. Dr. Ramkissoon’s collaborations address cultural responsiveness and the ethics of international engagement with extensive peer reviewed scholarship. Her clinical experiences in audiology and speech therapy were attained in community health, hospital, and university clinic settings. Dr. Ramkissoon’s national level professional service reflects membership on multiple ASHA committees. She is currently Editor-in-Chief (audiology section) of the journal, Perspectives of ASHA Special Interest Groups.

Dr. Ramkissoon's Positionality Statement:

“The life I lead, including the work I do is inevitably influenced by my identity. This identity was shaped by my upbringing in apartheid (segregation) South Africa where it was law to divide people physically by race. I was labeled “non-White” and further designated “Indian” which limited the public services available to me including recreation and education, particularly limited higher education opportunities. However, I grew up hearing about how my parents did not have the opportunity to attend high school and never had the chance for professional careers. This spurred me to study very hard in high school, refuse marriage
proposals at age 16-18 years, and choose instead to compete for coveted spots in the health science departments at the only university that accepted non-Whites. I am deeply committed to supporting students in higher education, particularly women and minorities because of this background. My personality is reflected in my identity of being a woman of color. This means I am driven, resourceful, committed, and strong. My communication is very direct, and my speaking tone reflects a history of colonial English which is sometimes misperceived. My husband and two daughters make my life valuable. In particular, I strive to set a positive example for my daughters as I do for my students. I am fortunate that my identity is multi-ethnic reflecting African, Indian, and American values; I use this awareness to develop understanding of others in my personal and work spaces.”