ASL Lecture Series: Sheena McFeely

RIT/NTID’s ASL Lecture Series presents “Silence is not Golden,” a lecture by Sheena McFeely on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 12 to 1 p.m. in NTID’s CSD Student Development Center 1300/1310.

Join McFeely as she shares what made her a driven creator and advocate despite “the mountains” in front of her. She will discuss how “villains” became her teaching moments, how “heroes” helped build her up, and how her victories and losses shaped her “hoods” – Deafhood, womanhood, and motherhood. Breaking the rules, McFeely challenged antiquated assumptions on multiple platforms.

Sheena McFeely Bio:

Born in Hong Kong to a hearing family, Sheena McFeely grew up decoding TV and films without captions. Her earliest babysitters were Chucky, Duck Tales, and Saved by the Bell. After immigrating to Los Angeles, she discovered acting and ASL at age 10. But with few Deaf roles and professors doubting her, McFeely left Hollywood for good, or so she thought.

Years later, motherhood and social media sparked ASL Nook, a family web series reaching millions. Its success opened doors to consulting, a viral Disney commercial, Deaf Out Loud documentary, and launching of her Deaf daughter’s acting career. McFeelyhas returned to writing stories once deemed "too big" to tell.

Registration:

This event is free and open to the public. Interpreters have been requested. If you plan to attend in person or via Zoom, please register.

For more information, contact Jeanne Behm, RADSCC coordinator and ASL instructor, at jsbnss@rit.edu. CEU credit will be granted for this activity. This Professional Studies level program is offered for .1 CEU at the Some Content Knowledge level.


Contact
Jeanne Behm
This event may be photographed/videoed by RIT. By attending, you grant Rochester Institute of Technology (“RIT”) permission to use photographs and/or audio-visual recordings in which you appear, now and in the future, for illustration, promotion, art, editorial, advertising, and trade, or any other purpose.
Event Snapshot
When and Where
March 20, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Room/Location: Room 1300/1310
Who

Open to the Public

Interpreter Requested?

Yes

Topics
deaf community
diversity