Quill Model

What happens when self-advocacy becomes more than a concept? We start reframing the way we think about inclusion.

At the 30th Annual National Hands & Voices Leadership Conference, Quill Model® was proud to be part of conversations that challenged us to think bigger about what meaningful access, inclusion, and self-advocacy can look like for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

One of those conversations came through our sister company, Carter Hears!'s Director of Communications and Access, Rylina Dey, and Language Facilitator, Aileen Pagan-Welch’s white paper: 𝘙𝘦𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘤𝘺: 𝘈 𝘎𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.

The work explores self-advocacy through a broader, more globally inclusive lens, and asks us to consider what changes when students are not simply taught to advocate for themselves, but are given the knowledge, access, and opportunities to meaningfully participate in shaping their own educational experiences.

We’re excited that this work will continue through upcoming Hands & Voices newsletter features, helping carry the conversation into the broader Deaf Education community.

This is the kind of work that embodies the heart of the Quill Model®: questioning what has always been done, connecting people and ideas, and writing a new future in Deaf Education.

Here’s to the conversations that don’t end when the conference does. 🪶

Today, we recognize the International Day of Sign Languages.

Sign languages are rich, complete, and natural languages that play an important role in communication, connection, identity, culture, and community.

Today is an opportunity to celebrate the linguistic diversity of sign languages around the world and recognize the importance of protecting and promoting access to language.

At Quill Model®, we believe conversations about language and communication should always center access, individual needs, and meaningful opportunities for connection and learning.

Today, we celebrate the beauty, diversity, and significance of sign languages and the communities that continue to preserve, share, and strengthen them.

🤟 Language connects us. Access empowers us. Understanding moves us forward.

A new season is here. 🍂🪶

The first day of autumn brings with it a natural invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace what comes next.

Just as the seasons change, learning continues to evolve. New experiences bring new questions. New perspectives create new opportunities. And each season offers another chance to grow.

As we welcome fall, we're looking forward to a season of continued learning, meaningful collaboration, and conversations that help move Deaf Education forward.

Here's to crisp pages, fresh perspectives, and the chapters still waiting to be written.

Happy First Day of Autumn! 🍂

This week, we join communities around the world in recognizing International Week of Deaf People.

It is a time to celebrate Deaf communities, languages, cultures, histories, achievements, and the diverse experiences of Deaf people around the world.

It is also an opportunity to learn, and reflect on the importance of meaningful access, representation, inclusion, and the right of Deaf individuals to participate fully in every aspect of society.

At Quill Model®, we believe the future of Deaf Education is strengthened when professional knowledge and lived experience are both valued, when diverse perspectives are welcomed, and when the whole person is considered.

This week, we celebrate the communities, languages, and experiences that continue to shape the past, present, and future of Deaf Education.

🖋️ The future is stronger when every perspective has a place in the story.

As Yom Kippur is observed, we extend our thoughts to all those recognizing during this meaningful and sacred time.

Yom Kippur offers a time for reflection, accountability, renewal, and looking ahead with intention. It invites us to pause and consider the lessons we carry forward and the opportunities we have to grow.

At Quill Model®, we believe meaningful progress begins with a willingness to reflect, learn, and continue moving forward with purpose.

To all who observe, we wish you a meaningful Yom Kippur.

G'mar Chatimah Tovah.

Success isn't hearing.

Success is language.
Success is confidence.
Success is belonging.
Success is self-advocacy.
Success is opportunity.

When we define success by what a child can hear instead of what a child can access, we miss the bigger picture.

Let's redefine the goal.

— Rebel Quill
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐄𝐝, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞.

Do you agree?

September is a time to recognize and celebrate the many experiences, identities, communities, and forms of access that shape our world.

During National Deaf Awareness Month, we celebrate Deaf individuals, Deaf communities, language, culture, history, and the ongoing contributions of Deaf people across every area of society.

September is also National Guide Dog Month, recognizing the important role guide dogs can play in supporting independence, mobility, and access for people who are blind or have low vision.

At Quill Model®, we believe meaningful inclusion begins with recognizing that access is not one-size-fits-all.

People experience the world, communication, education, and independence in different ways. Creating more inclusive communities requires us to continue learning, listening, and making space for the diverse experiences and perspectives of others.

This month, we celebrate awareness, access, independence, and the communities that continue to shape a more inclusive future.

🪶