New deaf minor at Salisbury University

SALISBURY, Md.- Salisbury University is adding a new minor to their catalogue, deaf studies.

Dr. Ellen Schaefer-Salins, an associate professor at the university, helped create this new minor. Deaf Independent Living Association (DILA) says there has been an increase in the deaf population here on the shore and they wanted to make more resources available for the community.

By implementing this minor students will learn about deaf culture, language, history, and the psychology that surrounds it. Not only will the classes educate students, but the Executive Director of DILA says that it will help remove the stigma around the deaf community.

“Once they get over the fear and realize that deaf people in general are very happy to share their language and the more people understand it, the better off we are,” says Purkey. He also says this will give them a larger employee pool, because many of the people don’t come in knowing sign language.

The deaf minor will be available for students to take in the 2021-2022 school year.