Digital Advancements for the Deaf: SVA Alumnus Melissa Malzkuhn on Her 2018 Obama Fellowship

Out of more than 20,000 applicants from 191 countries, 20 dedicated civic leaders form the current group of the inaugural Obama Foundation Fellowship.

Among them is Melissa Malzkuhn, a third generation Deaf, who is working on initiatives that utilize the power of technology to overcome systemic barriers around sign language learning and literacy.

One of her main goals includes making known the large gaps that still remain in sign language content for early learners during critical periods of development.

Therefore, she founded Motion Light Lab, which uses creative literature and digital technology techniques to create immersive learning experiences at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C., which is dedicated to serving those who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Along with Motion Light Lab, Malzkuhn is the founder and co-producer at Ink & Salt, a Deaf-owned creative production company, developed The ASL App, and consults on ASL and Deaf culture awareness.

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