ASL

0.2 Professional Studies

ASLIS is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This Professional Studies program is offered for a total of 0.2 CEUs at Some Content Knowledge Level.

A native ASL signer, originally from Baton Rouge, LA, MJ Bienvenu received her BA in English and MA in Linguistics from Gallaudet in 1974 and 1983, respectively. She received her Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies/Linguistics with specialization in Lexicography from Union Institute and University in 2003. She worked at Gallaudet in various departments, including Linguistics Research Lab and the Department of English, for a total of 11 years. She then moved to be co-director of The Bicultural Center for 7 years. She later became a director of Language and Culture Center for 3 years before she returned to Gallaudet as a faculty member of the Department of ASL and Deaf Studies, until her retirement in August 2019. She continues to work as a consultant to various organizations, colleges and universities on bilingualism, ASL instruction, curriculum development and empowerment of Deaf people.
MJ was a sign model for the “Green Books” and was a trailblazer in ASL instruction, beginning in 1977. MJ has presented workshops and served as plenary speaker on topics related to ASL, culture, empowerment, interpretation, and Deaf people and various -isms. She is also one of pioneers as a Deaf interpreter at major conferences and rallies. She is also an activist for the rights of Deaf people and LGBTIA and an advocate for Black Lives Matter.
On a personal level, MJ enjoys reading, traveling, walking and being at home with her furry kids.