AIEA introduced Community Connections at the 2022 Annual Conference as a way for conference attendees to have a first-hand experiential opportunity in the host community, with a focus on Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI), which is a priority of AIEA.​

2023: Challenges and Opportunities in Trauma-Informed higher education practices 

Challenges and Opportunities in Trauma-Informed higher education practices (Equity and Social Justice in Education): The case of Deaf people globally

Date: Wednesday, February 23, 2022, 12-5 p.m., (includes lunch, courtesy of Gallaudet University)

Location: Gallaudet University, Washington, DC

Since 1864, when Abraham Lincoln signed the charter, Gallaudet University has directly fostered the growth and leadership of deaf and hard of hearing people in the spheres of education, research, career, and civic engagement. Gallaudet's students, alumni, and employees --drawn from many nations-- are deeply immersed in movements for human rights and equal opportunity worldwide. This immersive campus activity will look at Gallaudet’s trauma-informed practices in fostering equity, full access, and achievement for this traditionally disadvantaged yet resilient population.

This special event was held on the historic 100-acre campus (designed by landscape architect, Frances Olmsted (Central Park, etc.). Activities include a campus tour, immersion in a sign language setting (student cafeteria for lunch), and round table exchange about the lived experience of Deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind people and the equity-centered and trauma-informed practices of this university, with emphasis on diverse perspectives of those from outside the United States.

This is the first part of a two-year connection with trauma-informed universities in the Washington, DC area. In February 2024, Howard University is likely to host the activity. 

 Gallaudet University, Washington, DC -View full photo album 

2022 Community connection: An Afternoon with Ms. Leona Tate at the TEP Center

Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022 
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: TEP Center -Lower Ninth Ward New Orleans, LA 
Join AIEA participants in traveling to the TEP Center in New Orleans to meet with Ms. Leona Tate, a Civil Rights pioneer and activist who was one of the first Black children in the United States to desegregate a public school in 1960, along with Ruby Bridges, Tessie Prevost and Gail Etienne. 

The integration of New Orleans public elementary schools marked a major focal point in the history of the American Civil Rights Movement.  The TEP Center is now in the historic landmark building she helped integrate. Participants will have the opportunity to tour the building, meet with Ms. Leona Tate and then reflect on how university leaders can continue to integrate a JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) lens into internationalization efforts. 

*Note that this unique opportunity is available to fully paid and registered conference participants who must sign up in advance by Friday Feb 18 since AIEA is generously covering the costs of participants to engage in this special Community Connections experience.  

Leona Tate Foundation https://www.leonatatefoundation.org/
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https://www.nola.com/news/education/article_d507518c-839c-11ec-8d00-ff3a062a1d6a.html

AGENDA
1:00PM - Group meets at AIEA Registration Desk (Fifth Floor) and leaves Sheraton New Orleans (bus transport provided by AIEA)
1:30PM- Arrival at TEP Center
1:30-2:30PM - Ms. Leona's Story with Q&A
2:45-3:30PM - Tour of TEP Center
3:30-4:15PM- Small Group Discussions 
4:15-4:30PM - Wrap Up 
4:30PM- Depart for Sheraton New Orleans
5:00PM - Arrive back at Sheraton

​An afternoon with Leona Tate at the
TEP CENTER
​​
Lower Ninth Ward, New Orleans LA

View full album