About Bee
Belinda (Bee) Vicars, MFA, is a dedicated
educator, researcher, and advocate in the field of American Sign
Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies. Deaf from birth, Bee has
harnessed the power of visual communication and teaching to
bridge cultural divides and empower both Deaf and hearing
audiences.
With over two decades of experience as an instructor at
California State University, Sacramento and elsewhere, Bee has taught a
wide range of ASL courses, from beginner to advanced levels, as well as
specialized topics such as Classifiers and Deaf Culture. Her innovative
approach to education includes developing and implementing new courses,
creating relatable content from a Deaf lens, and utilizing engaging
teaching approaches.
Bee's expertise extends beyond the classroom. As the
Associate Director of Lifeprint, she has developed online instructional
materials, provided private ASL instruction, and moderated social media
platforms dedicated to ASL learning and Deaf culture. Her community
involvement is extensive, including hosting ASL and Deaf-related events,
volunteering as an ASL instructor for Deaf refugees, and moderating
several Deaf-led Facebook groups that focus on empowering the Deaf
community and educating the public.
An accomplished writer, Bee holds a Master of Fine Arts
in Writing from Pacific University and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal
Arts with an emphasis on Writing and Contemporary Literature from
Vermont College. She leverages her literary background to provide
editorial feedback to emerging Deaf writers, further nurturing
creativity within the Deaf community.
Bee's multifaceted career demonstrates her commitment to
fostering greater understanding of Deaf culture, particularly through
various Deaf intersectional lenses. Her work as a cultural consultant
and advocate has been instrumental in advising on topics that promote
cultural competence and bridge communication gaps between Deaf and
hearing communities.
With her wealth of experience, innovative teaching
methods, and deep-rooted passion for ASL and Deaf culture, Belinda (Bee)
Vicars continues to be a driving force in expanding accessibility,
education, and cultural awareness in both academic and community
settings.