Pioneering New Frontiers in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Research

At the MAC Lab, we strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through our groundbreaking research. Our diverse range of studies encompass areas such as assistive technologies, sign language recognition, and accessible communication platforms. We continuously explore new frontiers in research, collaborating with multidisciplinary experts to create solutions that not only address the unique needs of our community but also shape a more inclusive future for everyone. Discover our latest studies and learn more about how we are contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of deaf and hard of hearing technology and communication.

From Contact to Conversation: Protactile Language, Modality, and Community

Gagne, D. L., & Broadway, H. (2026). From Contact to Conversation: Protactile Language, Modality, and Community. Annual Review of Linguistics, 12, 81–97. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-linguistics-011724-121536

Recent publication on Nicaraguan Sign Language

Coppola, M., Flaherty, M., Gagne, D., Gagne, K., Kocab, A., Martin, A., Morales Blanco, D., Morales Ruíz, I., Pyers, J., & Senghas, A. (2025). Convergence and Emergence: How Nicaraguan Signing Has Been Shaped by Transmission, Acquisition, and Interaction. Sign Language Studies, 26(1), 69–103. DOI: 10.1353/sls.2025.a981200

Studying Sign Language Learning By Deaf and Hard of Hearing Second Language Learners

New MAC Study for 2024!

Lessons to be Learned from Bimodal Bilingualism

Lillo-Martin, D., Gagne, D., & Chen Pichler, D. (2022)

"More Is Up"

Davidson, K., & Gagne, D. (2022).

"A strong language foundation, but not being deaf, supports learning ASL as a second language."

Kraus, K., & Gagne, D. (2021)

"Literacy in Emerging Sign Language Communities."

Gagne, D. L., & Coppola, M. (2020).

"False Belief Understanding Requires Language Experience, but Its Precursor Abilities Do Not."

Gagne, D., Goico, S., Pyers, J., & Coppola, M. (2019)

Visible social interactions do not support the development of false belief understanding in the absence of linguistic input: Evidence from deaf adult homesigners

Visible social interactions do not support the development of false belief understanding in the absence of linguistic input: Evidence from deaf adult homesigners

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Thank you for your interest in the MAClab! We welcome your inquiries, collaboration opportunities, and feedback. Please reach out to us using the contact information provided, and our team will be delighted to connect with you.