Support training for deaf people from across the Caribbean!

The Deaf Caribbean Academic Network (DeafCAN) in conjunction with the SIGN10 conference and the International Institute for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies are organising a training for deaf people from across the Caribbean from 3-7 December 2024 in Trinidad, prior to the SIGN10 conference.

Participants will learn about research, sign language policy, deaf education & advocacy from an international team of trainers who are experts in their fields.

The training is an unique opportunity: it is fully organised by deaf Caribbean people from the DeafCAN Network and is delivered in sign language. Training opportunities for deaf people in the Caribbean are extremely rare, and training of this kind, tailored to deaf people in the Caribbean in sign language, is unprecedented.

Our training creates a regional deaf space with content that matches the needs of deaf Caribbean people, and training in sign languages allows direct communication without barriers. The outcome will be an experience that nurtures the next generation of deaf leaders from across the Caribbean.

The training is free of charge for deaf people, but travel within the Caribbean is expensive, and not all deaf participants have access to funds to cover the expenses. We are raising funds to support as many deaf participants as possible who need help covering their flights, accommodation and meals. In addition, those taking part in the training will participate in the SIGN10 conference with a fully waived registration fee.

Should we exceed the outgoings associated with the training, leftover money will be used to increase the number of deaf participants from the Caribbean or other countries of the Global South to attend the SIGN10 conference through grants to support travel and registration fees.

DeafCAN has been working since February 2023 to establish a sustainable academic network of deaf researchers across the Caribbean, and we have plans to grow the DeafCAN network over the coming years.

SIGN10 is the tenth edition of the Sign Conference series, one of the few conferences that centres deaf people and sign languages. SIGN10 will be held completely in sign language, prioritising the accessibility of deaf people and their hearing allies.