Frequent Asked Questions

What is OUL?

OUL stands for Organization of Unique Learners. It is a support group for the Deaf and Hard Hearing community. For example, someone who goes to college or has a job may get lost in class or the workplace; they would get distressed and don't have a support system. They do not know what to do when it comes to that. That is where OUL comes in. To join the OUL group, we can provide feedback or suggestions on what kind of accommodation they need for their courses and workplace. Parents who have child/children with neurodevelopment disabilities can join the group to learn more about learning styles and accommodation needs. The staff or professional workers are welcome to join the group to share the information on research or work together to develop better resources.

What is our History of OUL?

As a student at Gallaudet, I decided to set up this organization with Dr. Cristina Berdichevsky in the early 1990s. We wanted to have a support group on campus. The support group members called it "OUL." because we do not like the word - learning disabilities. Instead, we prefer to be called Unique Learners because we learn and think differently.

After graduating, I realized that I did not have the support system I needed as I did at Gallaudet University in the real world. I am sure the others may have the same problem. I also realized that the OUL support group had faded away for a long time. As a result, we would get lost in life or the workplace. In addition, there are no resources for the Deaf and Hard Hearing community to get information on learning styles.

So, I decided to set it up again using a Facebook Group with the same name as the organization I am developing and working on building for resources. I am doing it again because Deaf and Hard of Hearing people with one or more neurodevelopmental disabilities will need a support group and networking to find more information about deafness and developmental disabilities. I want them to feel that they would know they will have support anytime and anywhere or need assistance and where to find services and resources they may need help from the OUL group.

What can OUL do for you and the Community?

You and the community can share information on various topics related to learning styles; exchange resources and support; share the workshops online; share the research input, and many more.

The future goal for OUL?

The future goal is to have a support system for the Deaf and Hard Hearing community to get group support and build resources for the Deaf and Hard Hearing community.

OUL’s mission is to empower people through enhancing knowledge, experiences, and perspectives of the deaf community, enhancing education, and sharing resources for people with learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the Irlen Spectral Filter and Learning Styles. Additionally, the ability to have group support outside of the real world.

How do I join this support group as an OUL member?

Anyone is welcome to join this group as an OUL member at any time. You can join the group on Facebook. You can find the group here.