Our session will include explaining what is CLAS: Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Service, the CLAS national standards, and how implementation of these standards can improve quality of service for all. The session will include a short presentation with activities for empowering people for success, empowering people to be advocates for social justice, and to help overcoming struggles of identifying resources to improve quality of service.
Valerie Shirley is the executive director of the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC), She has expertise in reducing disparities and advancing equity in a variety of areas. She is CLAS trainer with a strong background in social justice work and professional development for school districts, lead agencies and other organizations. Additionally, she has the lived experience of the population that MDMC serves.
Asma Abdille is the Assistant Director of the Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community (MDMC). Asma enrolled in MCTC community college for general education courses and plans to go back to pursue a higher education in the near future. She is a graduate of Southwest High School in Minneapolis. Asma is passionate about volunteering in the Deaf community, helping others, attending community and social events, spending time with her daughter, and reading books. Someday in the future, she wants to write her own autobiography.
