Triumph of the Spirit: The DPN Chronicle is a must-read for students learning ASL and/or studying to become interpreters. By examining the DPN movement, students gain a deeper appreciation for the language and the community they will engage with. It's a lesson in history, civil rights, and cultural pride that goes beyond vocabulary and grammar, offering an understanding of the Deaf community's spirit and ongoing fight for equality.

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For students starting their journey in ASL 1, understanding DPN helps them grasp that ASL is not just a communication tool but a vital part of a vibrant and resilient culture with its history of struggle and triumph. Triumph of the Spirit offers critical lessons essential for gaining acceptance and building genuine connections within the Deaf community, as well as avoiding the pitfalls that many first-year ASL students often encounter.

 

For students who continue to take advanced ASL classes, Triumph of the Spirit leads to deep discussions about the political, social, and cultural influences that shaped the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement. Dan Humphrey, ASL professor at Antelope Community College, had this to say about Triumph of the Spirit:

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"It is important for students to know about the DPN movement. The Deaf President Now movement of 1988 at Gallaudet University is a pivotal event in Deaf history and culture. 

Here’s why:

• Cultural Identity and Pride – DPN represents a moment when Deaf people asserted their identity, language (ASL), and culture. Learning about it helps students understand the value of Deaf culture and fosters pride in their heritage.

• Advocacy and Self-Determination – The movement shows how organized advocacy can lead to meaningful change. Students see an example of how the Deaf community fought for representation and leadership in an institution central to their community.

• Historical Context – DPN was a turning point in Deaf history. Understanding it helps students connect past struggles to current issues in education, accessibility, and civil rights for Deaf individuals.

• Empowerment and Role Models – It highlights Deaf leaders who challenged societal norms and became role models for future generations. Students can see that Deaf people are capable of leadership and shaping their own destinies.

• Understanding Systemic Barriers – The movement illustrates the systemic barriers Deaf people faced (and sometimes still face) in education and employment. Recognizing these challenges encourages empathy, awareness, and support for accessibility and inclusion.

In short, learning about DPN isn’t just history—it’s about understanding culture, advocacy, and empowerment within the Deaf community."

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Interpreter Training Programs

Triumph of the Spirit is also a critical reading for students studying to become interpreters. They will learn that the interpreters who worked during DPN played a crucial role as allies, facilitating communication between the protesters and the media, law enforcement, and the university administration. This experience led many interpreters to a new understanding of their profession, where their primary role is facilitating communication while empowering and supporting the Deaf community's goals. This shift laid the groundwork for the modern-day ally model of interpreting, which emphasizes attitude, partnership, cultural awareness, and a commitment to the civil rights of Deaf people.​​

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Your students will also learn a valuable lesson about the importance of confidentiality—a cornerstone of an interpreter’s responsibilities. One of the most shocking statements during the DPN movement was the statement, “Deaf people are not ready to function in a hearing world,” purportedly made by Spilman, Chair of the Gallaudet Board of Trustees. Spilman claimed that the interpreter misinterpreted her words. Unfortunately, the interpreter could not defend herself due to confidentiality. This principle of confidentiality is crucial, as it protects both the integrity of the interpreter and the trust placed in them by those they serve.

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