Which model seeks to empower Deaf individuals by deferring to their expertise in DHH culture and ASL?

The Ally Model is focused on empowering Deaf individuals by recognizing and valuing their expertise in Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL). This model emphasizes collaboration, respect, and mutual understanding between hearing interpreters and Deaf individuals, promoting an environment where Deaf voices are prioritized. The involvement of the Deaf community in decision-making processes reflects an acknowledgment of their lived experience and cultural knowledge, allowing for a more authentic representation of Deaf culture in various contexts.

In contrast, the other models do not prioritize the same empowerment and deference to Deaf individuals' expertise. The Bicultural Model recognizes the coexistence of both hearing and Deaf cultures and the need for interpreters to navigate between these cultures effectively. The Conduit Model treats interpreters as neutral facilitators of communication without actively engaging with the cultural nuances, which may lead to a lack of advocacy for Deaf perspectives. Meanwhile, the Communication Facilitator model centers more on enhancing communication rather than placing emphasis on cultural identity and expertise, thus not promoting the same empowerment principle as the Ally Model.