About Dr. Oliver

As a hearing person I have lived my life alongside Deaf people in every situation imaginable. Now I find myself acculturated into Deaf Culture. The thing about acculturation is that one doesn’t set out to achieve it as a goal but that one shares life so closely with a group of people from a different culture that something magical happens. For me the magic was a transformational journey that started when I was able to see and experience the Deaf-World, a culture and language different from my own “hearing-world”. Transformation was a slow process that pinched, pressed, kneaded, rolled and reshaped my beliefs and values while forcing out air pockets of myths and stereotypes. It changed me!! I am passionate about Deaf Culture and ASL because it is personal, very personal. My friends and family members are Deaf. I live in two cultures, speak two languages and cherish them both. My lived experience in Deaf Culture, past and present, has enriched my life tremendously! As a result, I am not only enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge and experiences with parents, teachers, students, interpreters, churches and communities but to guide hearing people to a land with a beautiful culture, language and people group.  It is there that Deaf individuals can teach you the most! When hearing people open the door to the Deaf-World and walk in they will find Deaf people who are the greatest guides of all and should be seen and respected as such.