News Releases

Dr. Danielle Thompson champions deaf inclusion at UWI SIGN10 Conference

For Release Upon Receipt - February 13, 2025

St. Augustine


 

 Dr Danielle Thompson (Gallaudet University), delivers her keynote presentation

 

St. Augustine, February 13, 2025 – Dr. Danielle Thompson, the first deaf Trinbagonian to earn a PhD, took centre stage at the international SIGN10 Conference held in collaboration with The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus’s Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics (DMLL), Centre for Language Learning (CLL), and the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) from 9-12 December 2024. Dedicated to sign language research and deaf community engagement, the breakthrough event, the first international conference of its kind to be hosted in the Caribbean, brought together over 130 participants from 27 countries. With a focus on accessibility and deaf-centred approaches, SIGN10 featured a training period held at UTT (Dec 3-7) and a diverse programme during the conference week at The UWI, including presentations, workshops, and a panel discussion, all conducted in signed languages.

As Associate Professor of International Development. at Gallaudet University with a decade of experience in social and behavioural sciences, Dr. Thompson’s work in mental health counselling, disability inclusion, and early intervention for deaf children has made her a leading and respected voice in the field. In her keynote address she underscored the urgent need for inclusive policies and research that centre the experiences of the deaf community. Additionally, SIGN10 tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the deaf community, including:

Expanding accessibility in academia to ensure deaf students and scholars are not excluded from higher education opportunities.

Empowering deaf-led decision-making in policy, education, and advocacy to shift authority from hearing institutions to those with lived experience.

Showcasing the Caribbean’s unique signing traditions, positioning the region as a leader in sign language research and linguistic diversity.

Over 70 million people worldwide are deaf, according to the United Nations, highlighting the crucial role of sign languages for their full participation in society. For Caribbean nations, where deaf representation in policymaking remains limited, SIGN10 marks a turning point, amplifying calls for legislation, educational reform, and investment in sign language research.

In outlining strategic objectives for the future, Dr. Ben Braithwaite, chair of the local organising committee, stated, “SIGN10 has set a new standard for engagement in sign language research and research-based advocacy. We must now build on this by working for meaningful change. For example, although Trinidad and Tobago Sign Language was used as one of the conference languages, it is not yet formally recognised in law. The insights and collaborations established here will drive meaningful change in policy, education, and community empowerment.”

SIGN10 marks a significant step forward for Caribbean deaf scholarship and inclusive dialogue. The UWI is committed to leveraging this momentum by fostering an environment of accessibility, ensuring equitable representation, and driving research excellence.

END

 

 Dr Sharon Hill (University of Birmingham) presents to a lively audience at the CLL

 

 

   Conference participants discuss the poster presentations

 

 

 Ian Dhanoolal (The UWI) presents on a collaborative Caribbean project designed to connect, mentor and empower Deaf researchers from around the region.

 

 

 Illustrations of the SIGN10 conference as delivered as part of the training by Dr Marta Morgado (University of Birmingham)

 

About The University of the West Indies 

 The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier higher education institution and one of only two regional universities in the world. With five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, The UWI continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact. Consistently ranked among the world’s best by Times Higher Education (THE), The UWI is a global leader in addressing critical challenges, including climate change, sustainability, and development.

As The UWI St. Augustine Campus celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2025 under the theme Beyond 65: From the Caribbean, For the World, it pays tribute to its Caribbean roots while highlighting its contributions to solving global challenges. This milestone underscores the campus's significant role in producing ground-breaking research and fostering talent that transcends regional boundaries to shape a better world. The UWI St. Augustine’s researchers, academics, and graduates continue to make an international impact, exemplifying the university’s mission to serve the region while influencing the world.

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