Deaf History Awareness Month

Judith Scott

Judith Scott is a deaf with Down Syndrome became famous as a fiber art sculptor; she was placed in the “asylum” after her mother could not take care of her. Judith’s twin sister searched and found her, then became her guardian. Judith discovered a fascination for fiber art and started her work. She has multiple artworks in museums and other places. Her twin sister has a book about her called Entwined: Sisters and Secrets in the Silent World of Artist Judith Scott.

Meredith Burke

Meredith Burke is a proud DeafDisabled queer person with cerebral palsy, born and raised in central Ohio. She is a graduate of Gallaudet University, receiving both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Deaf Studies and Deaf Cultural Studies. She is a known advocate and activist, fighting for inclusion and accessibility for all.

Meredith has presented her knowledge, experience and work with a range of audiences throughout the country; sharing her research, passion, and advocacy. Currently, she is the Cultural and Accessibility Consultant for Hallenross and Associates. She is also an adjunct professor for both Gallaudet University and Columbus State Community College. At Gallaudet, Meredith teaches Disability Studies for the Department of Deaf Studies and she teaches a variety of courses for the Interpreting Education Program at Columbus State.

With her accessibility and inclusion goals ever on her mind, Meredith has worked as a board member for the National Deaf Center and the Center for Disability Empowerment. She continues in her role as a member of the Coalition for Deaf Access and Equity. She has been recognized by the Office of Denver Sign Language Service as The Deaf Heritage Month: Famous DeafDisabled Person, and most recently honored as one of the most recognized women by the Deaf Women United organization for the month of March.

In her spare time, Meredith enjoys nature, hiking, and camping. She loves traveling and takes trips whenever she can. She loves sports and is an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Columbus Crew SC. One of her most favorite pastimes is playing with her service dog, Dexter.

Anderson Pleasants

Anderson (Andy) Pleasants is a content creator. He graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He has been a self-published content creator and influencer on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok where he makes videos advocating on behalf of awareness for Deaf Culture, disabilities, mental health, and more. These videos range from music videos in sign language, comedy skits, conversational PSAs, and personal vlogs where he connects with others by sharing who he is and his perspectives.

He was a keynote speaker at Make-A-Wish at Metro New York Gala and is also one of speakers at the annual National conference Phoenix, Arizona for their 40^th anniversary. He speeches at TEDx Youth Buffalo sharing his story of how he found hope by finding himself. He continues to share his stories to inspire others and bridge the empathy among each other. “I am firm believer that the best way to find solutions, help others and bridge understanding is to share our stories-to show others they are not alone.”