Name: Kari Sween
Position: Assistant Professor – American Sign Language and American Sign Language Coordinator
Education:
- M.S. in Teaching and Learning, Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2022
- B.A. in Education, Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2008
- Sign Language Proficiency Interview: Superior Plus Rating
Teaching: Teaching American Sign Language (ASL) is my greatest passion. I strive to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where students can develop the skills to communicate effectively with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Beyond teaching the language, I bring attention to the everyday communication barriers faced by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. My goal is to help reduce these barriers by raising awareness of ASL and promoting a deeper appreciation for Deaf culture.
Current Courses:
- CDIS 205: Beginning American Sign Language - Level I
- CDIS 307: Advanced American Sign Language – Level III
- CDIS 308: Conversations in ASL
- CDIS 404: Deaf Studies: Deaf Culture, History, and Social Justice
- CDIS 407: Advanced American Sign Language – Level IV
- CDIS 676: Seminar: Selected Topics in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Areas of Interest:
- Dismantling communication barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals
- Addressing audism and both direct and indirect discrimination
- Social justice and legal advocacy within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) community
- Promoting ASL education and public awareness
- Early intervention for D/HH children within speech-language pathology and audiology field.
Publications (selected):
Presentations (selected):
Sween, K. (2025, March). Communication barriers in the audiology field. Upper Midwest Academy Audiology Conference.
Oeding, K., & Sween, K. (2025, April). Advancing person-centered care in Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients. Minnesota Speech-Language Hearing Association Presentation.
Kinney, J., & Sween, K. (2024, June). Dismantling communication barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and Children of Deaf Adults (CODA). Southwest Metro Equity Summit.
Oeding, K., & Sween, K. (2024, April). Culturally responsive practices with Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients and students. Minnesota Speech-Language Hearing Association Poster Presentation.
Sween, K. (2024, March). Teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in post-secondary education. Disability Affinity Alliance.
Sween, K. (2024, January). Communication barriers in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Scholars at Work Conference.
Sween, K. (2023, March). Healthcare access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patients. College of Allied Health and Nursing.
Sween, K., & Sween, J. (2023, February). Cultural Humility Series (1). College of Allied Health and Nursing.
Sween, K. (2023, February). Communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in law enforcement. College of Humanities and Social Science (Law Enforcement).
