Faculty Profile: Dana Hoover
Dana Hoover is a faculty member in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Q: Tell us about yourself.
I grew up on the West Coast in a military family (Go Navy) and I was discovered to be Deaf when I was two. I learned American Sign Language (ASL) for the first time when I was a student at the National Institute of Technology for the Deaf under the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. I developed lifelong connections with the Deaf community there. I continued my education at Springfield College and earned my Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in human service focusing on mental health counseling. After graduating, I worked with Deaf children and adults for 14 years. Then I decided to get my M.Ed in Deaf education from Boston University.
Q: How did you become an instructor at UMass?
I have been teaching ASL for over 12 years. My teaching career began in 2015 as an adjunct professor at Hampshire College. In 2020, I transitioned to UMass, where I am a Non-Tenure Track (NTT) Lecturer for both UMass and the Five College Center for World Languages. Currently, I teach four ASL courses ranging from introductory ASL I to ASL IV, as well as two advanced ASL courses.
Q: Why is teaching ASL important to you?
ASL is a beautiful language, and I love sharing it with the community. I also enjoy educating others about Deaf culture and providing insights into the experiences of the Deaf community. Many Deaf children grow up with limited or no language skills, and I want to inspire the hearing community to see the immense value of ASL—a language that is fully accessible to everyone. With every class I teach, more people enter the world as signers. It always brightens my day when I walk into a store or restaurant and meet someone who knows even a few signs—so we can connect and communicate.
Q: September is National Deaf Awareness Month, why do you think it’s important to bring awareness of deafness?
We feel that the community benefits from being aware of the communication needs and identities of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH). We want the community to develop understanding and be supportive of each Deaf/HoH individual. They deserve to be recognized and respected as human beings.
Q: How can people be allies to the deaf community?
The most important aspect of being an ally is to work with, not for, Deaf/HoH individuals. Whenever there’s a discussion, new initiative, or the creation of services, it’s crucial to invite Deaf/HoH members to be involved. Their experiences and insights are invaluable and should help shape decisions and outcomes. You can find wonderful guidance and resources for how to be an ally here.
Q: How has UMass, whether it be students, faculty, or staff, supported you during your time here?
Everyone has shown great patience and a willingness to work with me as a Deaf individual. I’ve been fortunate to receive interpreters for staff meetings and workshops through the Accessible Workplace Office. It’s been an honor to be invited to give presentations on ASL and Deaf culture, and I truly appreciate all the support I’ve received.
Q: What is your favorite thing about the SLHS department?
My favorite part of the week is getting together with my ASL learning group. They’re such fun people to work with—so eager to learn ASL and communicate with me. We always have a great time, full of laughter and sharing stories. This group of SLHS professors and staff has really helped us strengthen our professional relationships in a more personal way.