DHI

Deaf History International

Deaf History International (DHI) is an international organization dedicated to the study of deaf peoples’ histories worldwide. Founded in 1991, Deaf History International marked its 30th anniversary in 2021. DHI members enjoy access to networks within the field of Deaf history, camaraderie with those who enjoy the study of Deaf history, periodical DHI newsletters, and enjoy a discounted registration rate at official DHI conferences that are held every three years.

 

To date, there have been 11 DHI conferences with the 11th conference held in Slovenia and Croatia (2022). The 12th DHI conference is scheduled for Ghent, Belgium (2025) with the theme "Deaf Youth in History". The 13th DHI conference will be in Japan (2027) with the theme, "Deaf History in the past and present".

 

DHI invites bids to host the 14th DHI conference in 2030. The DHI Bureau welcomes innovative proposals and conference themes that explore different areas of Deaf history, particularly from the global south. Bids from Africa and Latin America are especially encouraged.

 

Please review the DHI Conference guidelines prior to submitting a hosting bid for 2030.

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Timeline: 

   ● Call for bids -- open immediately

   ● Bids due April 1, 2025

   ● Presentation of bids at DHI General Assembly meeting, August 2025

   ● DHI Bureau selects & announces the 2030 Conference host

 

Bids -- 2030 DHI Conference

A bid packet is submitted to the DHI Bureau in advance of the DHI Bureau meeting. Bid packets include the following proposed information and must adhere to the DHI Conference guidelines:

• Conference theme and program (including DHI General Assembly)

• Venue location(s)

• Conference budget

• Transportation options

• Lodging options

• Call for Papers description

• Plan for conference accessibility, including DeafBlind and mobility access, interpreting and captioning as appropriate

• Plan for pre and post-conference activities

• Plan for communicating conference information and processing conference registration (website with signed videos, online payment mechanisms)

• List of proposed local organizing conference committee members

• Plan for producing conference proceedings (video and/or print)

• Plan for conference technology support– ie: separate video displays of presenters, interpreters, PowerPoints, on-site wifi services, videorecording of presentations and interpreting

• Wired cable internet access for the video camera for both the projector screens and for recording videos for proceedings, and also for livestreaming (if used)

• Plan for pre- and post-conference activities (including excursions to local sites of Deaf history significance)

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Winning host responsibilities and notes:

• Conference chair(s) to regularly communicate with DHI Bureau

• Conference hosts to submit annual conference planning progress reports to DHI

• Follow the DHI Conference Guidelines

• Deposit required upon accepting offer

• Host to support site visit for one DHI Bureau member

• The DHI Bureau reserves the right to withdraw hosting rights if conference hosting preparations are not made in a timely manner after hosting rights are awarded.

 

Please submit your bid as a PDF document and send to:

Jordan Eickman, DHI Secretary/Treasurer at: dhisecretary01@gmail.com.

 

Should you have questions about DHI in general, bid process, or expectations of the host/conference organizers, please do not hesitate to reach out to Brian Greenwald,  DHI President, at dhipresident01@gmail.com or Jordan Eickman at dhisecretary01@gmail.com.

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