Center for Deaf Studies
OUR VISION
Our dream for the Center is to continue to evolve as a premier educational catalyst for Deaf awareness and accessibility at our University, our region, and among the nations.
OUR MISSION
The Center for Deaf Studies exists to advocate and support CBU’s Core Four objectives for all of our students, with particular regard to the DEAF-WORLD: to be academically prepared, biblically rooted, globally minded, and equipped to serve.
OUR VALUES
IMAGO DEI – THE IMAGE OF GOD
- Every human soul is created in God’s image and thus endowed with infinite worth and profound dignity.
- “The chief end” or ultimate purpose of every human—regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability—is to glorify God by enjoying him forever.
- Deaf individuals are not an accident nor a tragedy—they each have a divine purpose to fulfill.
THE GREAT COMMISSION
- Jesus commissioned us to go into all the world, including the DEAF-WORLD.
- Deaf people are trans-national; they populate every continent, country, state, city, island and village on the planet.
- Deaf people comprise a cross-cultural, linguistic affinity group; ASL and other signed languages are distinct languages with a distinct culture.
- Of the 35 million Deaf Americans—perhaps 100 million worldwide, 98-99% are either unengaged or unreached with the Gospel.
DEAF AWARENESS
- Deaf does not equal disabled. Accommodation begins with attitude!
- ASL is NOT English. It is a visual language with distinctive linguistic properties that uses space and movement to covey meaning.
- Because of the language barrier, many Deaf people feel like “strangers in their own land.”
- The “Deaf community” or “DEAF-WORLD” boasts a rich cultural heritage of language, art, scientific invention, sports, political activism, and social values.
GEOGRAPHICAL STEWARDSHIP – “Love your neighbor,” literally!
- As a “Great Commission University,” we have a God-given responsibility to our local community as well as the nations.
- CBU is located a mere three miles from California School for the Deaf – Riverside, in the heart of one of the most vibrant Deaf communities in the world.
- Thanks to our long-established partnership with CSDR, students participate in a wide variety of internships, volunteer services, sporting events, and Deaf social activities.
EDUCATIONAL ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY
- Deaf people are greatly disadvantaged with regard to educational, career and vocational opportunities.
- CBU is one of the few Christian universities in America that offers a comprehensive educational program in Deaf Studies.
- Our Center for Deaf Studies offers multi-faceted advocacy and support for the academic, spiritual and vocational education of Deaf and hearing students.
OUR FOCUS
ACADEMICS
- BA Degree in World Languages with ASL as your primary language
- Minor in ASL with special areas of concentration in ASL interpreting, education, Christian leadership, and other fields
- Community non-degree class in ASL
- Certificate program of study in Deaf Christian Leadership
OUTREACH AND SERVICE
- Deaf church/ministry planting
- Deaf-focused ISPs (International Service Programs)
- Deaf student camps focused on Computer Science, Biomedical research, Performing Arts, and Athletics
- Deaf awareness resources for churches, parachurch and denominational agencies
EQUIPPING LEADERS
- Student scholarships and faculty development
- Internships for experiential training
- Assistance with vocational placement
- Resources for continuing education and life-long learning
RESEARCH AND INFORMATION
- ASL curricula development that includes Christian concepts
- Faculty development related to Deaf Studies
- Documentary film production exploring Deaf culture and issues
- Social media networks and resources
ASL MINOR
The minor in American Sign Language will help students develop practical conversational skills and gain theoretical and experiential awareness of deaf culture and community. The American Sign Language minor is designed to provide students with a quality undergraduate preparation that will enhance their careers in a variety of fields, including ASL interpreting, Education, Speech Pathology, Counseling, Christian Ministry, and a variety of human services occupations.
For a listing of required courses, see our Academic Catalog.
ASL CLUB
The mission of the ASL Club is to encourage and support students pursuing careers related to the Deaf community by offering and facilitating activities that promote greater Deaf awareness, learning opportunities, and relationship building among Deaf friends in the community and among fellow classmates.
A few of the activities sponsored by the ASL Club include:
- Weekly Silent Hangout for practicing ASL skills, studying for exams, and just having fun
- Special events like the ASL Showcase, “So You Think You Can Sign,” and our year’s end Celebration Banquet honoring students and faculty
- Deaf Community Service, Deaf worship, Interpreter workshops, and more
Faculty
Danny Blair, PhD - Director, Associate Professor of Deaf Studies
CHARLES ROCK, Adjunct Professor
Charles Rock, Adjunct Professor
Jaclyn Long, Adjunct Professor
Sarah Willis, Adjunct Professor
Niel Thompson, Adjunct Professor
David Saavedra, Adjunct Professor
David Saavedra was born deaf to a hearing family, and for the past eight years he has served the Deaf Ministry at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, CA. His lifelong goal is to make the gospel more accessible to the Deaf community. As an Adjunct Professor of ASL and Deaf Studies, he definitely enjoys teaching. David holds and Associate of Arts degree in General Education from Riverside City College, Riverside, CA; and a Bachelor of Arts in U.S. History and English from the University of California, Riverside. David is also an actor, and recently played the role of James the Less in the feature film, Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film. His newly-wedded wife, Adrianna, is a certified ASL interpreter.
Contact Us
dblair@calbaptist.edu or 951-343-4762
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