The Quill Model - A Radical Approach to Deaf Education

The Quill Model is a new and innovative approach in Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This modeled approach has been developed across three generations of Educators for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, who are also, family. In an effort to support language and communication regardless of hearing or not hearing, this approach works to bring family and community together. In the Deaf Community, there are many examples where separation occurs and the aim of this model is to change that and change the way we approach the idea of Community.

This Model is designed to be adopted across states and countries to develop a more harmonious approach to developing language, academics, life skills, family and communication. These five pillars and its approach to honoring each brings thought provoking opportunity and change to the Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  This session will cover an overview of the model and encourages dialogue about each of the pillars. Information and research from the common world around us as well as that from Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing guides this process.

The Quill Model requires that educators, families, and advocates alike look to encourage a world where we are all deaf, we are all deaf together. It is these values that work to guide children and families as well as their communities to respect communication choices, encourage language acquisition through models that are naturally occurring in deaf adults today and bring about real change to success in educating children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This model encourages the use of true language models from Deaf or Hard of Hearing Adults.

Most parents of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing are hearing and engaging in a new world of choices that include a range of wide and vast field of information from a variety of professionals in the field. More importantly, families who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing also make choices for their children who are hearing or Deaf or Hard of Hearing that may be the same or different from their own experiences. Having a safe haven of honest vulnerable communication allows families to make wise choices that are informed and unbiased. The aim of the Quill Model is to focus on a healthy culture of vulnerability and from that strength in choices that lead to worthy outcomes. Parents need to have confidence in the decisions that they make, even if they change.

The current face of Deaf Education is one that is steadfast and rooted in history and while it is worthy of honor and celebration, a new model as we live in the 21st Century, is necessary and wise to discuss and to welcome new approaches that use sound research, mindful study, and life experience. Implementing a more targeted approach to providing choices for families and children that reduces compromises in education is key to changing the face of Deaf Education.