Butler University launches US master’s program, raising concerns over sign language training

National educators debate Butler’s approach to teaching children with hearing loss

Butler University is set to launch a new online master’s program in Deaf education this fall, aimed at training teachers to help deaf children develop speaking and listening skills. The program, funded by a $1.25-million federal grant, is designed for students working with children who have cochlear implants or other hearing technology. However, the move has stirred concern among members of Indiana’s Deaf community, who worry that limiting American Sign Language (ASL) to a single one-credit course could reduce opportunities for deaf children to learn to sign. According to reporting by AP News, local Deaf leaders say the program risks repeating historical mistakes that undervalued sign language and Deaf culture.

Focus on spoken language, not ASL

The new Butler program emphasizes oral and spoken language for deaf children. Jenna Voss, director of the program, told AP News that the degree is intended to help children and families choose the communication method that works best for them. The curriculum’s limited ASL component—one course teaching basic signs and Deaf cultural readings—has prompted pushback from community members, who argue that teachers should be trained in both signing and speaking.

Historical context and Deaf community concerns

For many in Indiana’s Deaf community, the program raises red flags. Historically, deaf children were banned from learning sign language and forced to speak and lip-read. Scholars recognized ASL as a language only in the 1960s, and the official ban was lifted in 2010. Deaf leaders like Bonnie Conner and David Geeslin told AP News they worry that focusing on spoken language alone risks repeating past mistakes and limiting children’s access to a natural and fully developed language.

Parental perspectives and program choices

Parents of deaf children are divided on the issue. Some, like Brooklyn Lowery, told AP News that they appreciate teachers trained to support listening and speaking skills, while others prioritize ASL as a primary language. Research shows that deaf children are at higher risk of language deprivation if they do not have early and consistent access to a language—spoken or signed. Butler’s program aims to fill a niche for teachers specializing in listening and speaking, while offering ASL as a minor for undergraduates, though not as part of the master’s degree.

Looking ahead

The Butler program is one of only five Deaf education programs in the U.S. focusing on spoken language. According to AP News, its launch highlights ongoing debates in Deaf education about the best way to balance spoken and signed communication. As Indiana colleges reduce or merge ASL programs, the conversation about how to best prepare teachers for deaf children is likely to continue.