This presentation shares selected Tracing Deafhood project data to identify how Deaf cultural identity has formed and spread by utilizing ArcGIS software to map and visually determine the chronological sequences and patterns in the establishment and spread of Deaf schools, Deaf clubs, Deaf sport clubs, and national Deaf associations worldwide. Eriksson (1998), Ladd (2003), and Lane, Hoffmeister, and Bahan (1996) provide inspiration and theoretical frameworks.

Geographic pattern analysis determines how Deaf identity has spread globally, as those four Deaf community ‘pillars’ are Deaf identity development venues. All four ‘pillars’ and their characteristics can be plotted on a map to study their geographic origins, spread, and interplay.

A PowerPoint slideshow of maps will be shown to demonstrate the visual power this methodology offers. This research is a valuable contribution to understanding and preserving Deaf people’s access to signed languages and the global Deaf community’s history.