Through our consultants, researchers, clinicians, interpreters, transliterators and programs, VLA aims to apply evidence-based research to advancing the right and opportunity for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to access, process, acquire, and use visual language.
The importance of visual language to the lives of deaf people is well established.
Nevertheless, because anyone can put information online and into print, the difference between evidence-based knowledge and opinion is not always obvious. Some question the value of American Sign Language (ASL) and/or the use of Cued American English (CAE). Others mistaken visual communication for visual language. The literature is replete with information that ultimately supports or limits the opportunity for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to naturally access, acquire, and use language. Unfortunately, the rationale that is presented is often not as evidence-based as it may seem.
This can make the task of preparing a presentation or a work for publication an effort in reconciling competing claims. As such, diligence is required to know whose expertise and credentials actually qualify them to address a given topic.
Evidence-based Expertise
Where ASL and CAE access, processing, acquisition, and use are concerned, our credentialed experts are second to none. Our team of deaf and hearing multilingual and multimodal researchers, presenters, linguists, and clinicians can review, edit, guide, suggest, proofread, and support your work for objectivity and accuracy.
Whether your topic is phonologic, psycholinguistic, neurolinguistic, sociolinguistic, or translation oriented, get expert review of your research questions, methodology, presentations, and publications with the guidance of one of our credentialed experts.
Please complete the steps below to schedule time with one of our visual language consultants. Research support can vary widely with regard to the depth and breadth of the work that needs to be done. Information that you provide on the appointment intake form will allow the Consultant to better understand the nature of your request and provide you a price quote accordingly. Your 20 minute free initial consult will allow you a no-risk opportunity to discover how your Consultant can address your particular need. You will not be charged unless and until you agree to your customized price quote. Use coupon code VLAFREE20CONSULT for your free 20 minute consult. For additional information about research support service charges please click here.