An Impact Matters initiative
by LingoForce
Read a book together, guided by a Deaf community member who holds the identity the book explores. Deaf community members and ASL interpreters learn, discuss and grow together.
Watch in ASL: an introduction to Unmasking Autism (captioned)
[Side-by-side video. On the left, Jenee, a white woman in her early 40s wearing a black shirt, signs in ASL. On the right, the English text appears on screen.]
Jenee: Hi, I’m Jenee. I’m here to discuss the book Unmasking Autism [image of the book] because soon we will read it together as a book club for the signing community. Now, I will interview Lilly, our Deaf co-host.
Question 1: Why did you select this specific book for us to read, Lilly?
[Lilly signs on screen. She wears pink glasses and a striped shirt and has long hair. The English text appears beside her.]
Lilly: Yes, good question. I am happy you asked. I picked this book because the author, Dr. Devon Price [photo of the book and author], identifies as Autistic and trans. He is well known in the field and has his PhD in Social Psychology. The book focuses on research defining ableism and systemic oppression and its impacts on the Autistic community. For example, masking, which leads to disorders of identity development. Devon’s study focuses on presenting new faces of neurodiversity. It is a novel and modern way of uplifting Autistic voices. His interviews have been published on NPR and other sources. It is widely known as an incredible book. That is why I picked it.
Question 2: What is the ASL sign for Autism?
Lilly: Autistic or Autism is signed as [fingertips wiggle at the side of the head]. A traditional sign, which is more of a medical term: [the dominant hand moves toward the chest and tucks itself inside the non-dominant hand, which rests against the chest]. This next sign, we do NOT use anymore: [she shows two variations of a sign covering one’s eyes or enclosing oneself].
Question 3: What does the intersection of Deaf + Autistic look like?
Lilly: Being Deaf + Autistic definitely has its impacts. That’s the purpose of the book discussion, which is exciting! The book Unmasking Autism focuses on the Autistic experience. In the book club, we are open to discuss other aspects as well. Autistics and everyone are welcome to share your story. Share your experience with barriers and discrimination. All of that is welcome. Whoa, I am REALLY excited for this book club. We welcome everyone to come!
[Transition to a yellow-to-pink background showing the Impact Matters Book Club by LingoForce flyer, with the words JOIN US on the side. The flyer reads: December 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027. Unmasking Autism, author Devon Price [picture of the book]. Discussion led by Deaf Neurodivergent Activist Lilly Steinbruckner [photo of Lilly]. Asynchronous, online. Co-led by Jenee Petri-Swanson.]
The 2026–2027 Lineup
Three books, each read over two months and guided by a Deaf co-host, with Jenee Petri-Swanson co-hosting all three. Join one, two or all three.
Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity
Deaf co-host: Lilly Steinbruckner
Co-host: Jenee Petri-Swanson
A Story of CMV, Deafness, and Hope
Deaf co-host: Kathleen Smith, the author
Co-host: Jenee Petri-Swanson
A Hmong Family Memoir
Deaf co-host: Ntxhee Sua Vang
Co-host: Jenee Petri-Swanson
Book 1 · Dec 1, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
Many autistic people learn to “mask,” hiding who they are to fit in. Social psychologist Devon Price, who is autistic, looks at what masking costs and how people can unmask safely.
We’ll read it together over two months and talk about it through a Deaf and neurodivergent lens, guided by Deaf neurodivergent activist Lilly Steinbruckner.
Deaf Co-host · Deaf Neurodivergent Activist
Co-host · All three books
How It Works
There are no live meetings. Join the discussion whenever it works for you.
Sign up for the book you want to read. Choose free community access, or the interpreter option to earn RID CEUs.
Get your copy before the start date.
Discussion happens in our private Facebook group (opens in a new tab). Request to join after you register.
Follow the reading schedule and post in ASL video or text whenever it works for you.
Book 1 Registration · Opens November 1
Everyone gets the same discussion and the same community. Interpreters who want CEUs can choose the CEU option. Both options use the same short registration form.
For Deaf community members and anyone not seeking CEUs
Earn 1.2 RID CEUs
Scan with your phone, or click the code to open secure Stripe checkout.
Questions
No. The book club is asynchronous, so you can read and post whenever it works for you during each book’s two-month window.
No. Join the books that interest you. Registration for the March and June books will open closer to their start dates.
In our private Facebook group (opens in a new tab). You’ll need a Facebook account to take part.
Yes. You can post ASL videos or written comments.
The book club is open to all members of the ASL signing community: Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing, CODAs, interpreters, students, families and allies.
Interpreters can earn 1.2 RID CEUs for Unmasking Autism for $50. Choose “Yes” for CEUs on the registration form, pay the $50 fee here (opens in a new tab), and you’ll get the details about completing them after you register. CEU details for the March and June books will be shared when their registration opens.
No. Please get your own copy of each book you plan to read. They’re available in print and ebook, and many libraries carry them.
Our first book starts December 1. Registration opens November 1.
Register for Book 1