Schuchman Leaders Present Keynote at 2019 OHMAR Conference

On April 23, 2019, Brian Greenwald and Jean Lindquist Bergey presented on “Deaf Interviews: Documenting Narrative History in American Sign Language” at the annual conference of Oral History Mid-Atlantic Region (OHMAR), held at Monmouth University in New Jersey.

Describing research of the Drs. John S. & Betty J. Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center as rooted in deaf history, timeframes, places, patterns and traditions, Greenwald and Bergey shared the many ways stories can reveal deaf experiences.

Deaf stories can reflect or challenge stereotypes, show solidarity within the community, and reveal what it means to be part of an embedded group within a larger society. Topics covered included conducting pre-interview research, developing questions, establishing language preference, ensuring the understanding of informed consent, and considerations for the interviewer-interviewee match. The Schuchman Center’s director and associate director discussed confidentiality in a small community, or lack thereof, as well as technical set-ups critical to interviews in American Sign Language, and preservation of filmed interviews.

Check out the OHMAR website, and consider attending the 2020 conference in Shepardstown, W.Va., on March 13 -14.