ASL Research and Resource Fund

Purpose

The purpose of the Fund is to create investment income that will provide annual grants to support Canadian ASL research in the bilingual-bicultural education of Deaf children and to promote the evidence-based development of Canadian ASL educational resources.

History

This Fund was established in the early summer of 1997 in memoriam of Ilene Youngs, an educator of Deaf children and the late wife of Macklin Youngs. Ilene Liebman Youngs’ life exemplified devotion to the education of Deaf children, to the Deaf community and to asking important questions to inform best practice in a bilingual-bicultural approach.

In 1998, the Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf (OCSD) was asked to take over the Fund as a charitable activity with the understanding that Macklin Youngs would be retained as its patron. The money was subsequently placed in an investment account with TD Waterhouse. According to OCSD’s earliest available records, the Fund had the retained earnings of $4,690.94 as of December 31, 1998. On September 17, 2003, the market value of the Fund was $14,065.64 and the investment was officially transferred to ODF.

Ilene and Macklin’s children, Megan and Vance Youngs, succeeded Macklin as Patrons on April 11, 2021. At their suggestion and with the ODF Board’s endorsement, the development of ASL educational resources was added to the Fund’s purpose.

Investment Objectives

The Fund’s primary objective is to generate sufficient investment revenue to provide for the annual grants and the related costs of administering the Fund, while reinvesting a part of the revenue to further grow the Fund’s capital. As well, the Fund is to contribute its share to the annual administrative and management expenses incurred by the Foundation.

Criteria For Applying to the Fund

To encourage and support Canadian ASL research and/or resource development in the field of ASL-English bilingualism or biculturalism for Deaf children and adults in family, educational, and community environments.

1. Research
   To increase and/or expand knowledge and understanding of a contemporary key theme/trend/issue related to Deaf people in Canada.
2. Resource Development
   For design and development of innovative resources that promote and support ASL acquisition and learning.

To Apply

https://www.ontariodeaffoundation.com/asl-research-applications.php

Contact

info@deafontariofoundation.com for further information

To Donate

Donate to the fund.