Dr Deaf 2026 Workshops
Dr Deaf is a series of events hosted by Ål Folk High School, exclusively for deaf researchers and academics.
We bring together deaf scholars from across the world in a supportive, signing environment — free from the barriers of mainstream academic settings. Events are held twice a year at our mountain campus in Ål, Norway.
Spring Writing Retreat
DATES: 18–23 MAY 2026
Are you a deaf researcher working on a writing project? Could you benefit from a retreat where you can write alongside other deaf academics, participate in peer feedback sessions, and exchange tips and strategies on writing?
This Writing Retreat is a deaf-centered space for you to work on your writing project alongside other deaf academics. There will be one optional workshop or lecture each day, as well as social time and wellness activities.
The Writing Retreat is aimed at deaf academics working on independent writing projects such as PhD dissertations, academic articles, or books. This includes working academics, PhD students, and independent scholars. Master’s students may be admitted if space is available, but are encouraged to consider the PhD workshop first.
Bonus: Writing alongside other deaf academics in a tranquil spring mountain landscape!
Crip Linguistics Summer School
DATES: 9–14 AUGUST 2026
Are you a deaf researcher curious about Crip Linguistics? Could you benefit from an intensive summer school where you can explore languaging alongside other deaf academics, develop new theoretical tools, and exchange insights across disciplines?
This Summer School is a deaf-centered space to engage with Crip Linguistics — an interdisciplinary framework grounded in Deaf Studies and traditional deaf knowledges — examining languaging as a site of world-building, resilience, and deaf futurity.
The Summer School welcomes deaf academics from all disciplines and career stages. No prior background in Crip Linguistics is required.
Teachers: Octavian Robinson, Maija Koivisto, Hilde Haualand, Joseph Murray.
Bonus: Immersive summer learning alongside deaf scholars in a tranquil Norwegian mountain landscape!
Spring Writing Retreat
Practical information:
Arrival: Monday, 18 May Free bus from Ål station (Train from Oslo at 19:30)
Departure: Saturday, 23 May Free bus to Ål station (Train to Oslo at 11:30)
Note: Because of the Norwegian national holiday on 17 May, the workshop will run Monday–Saturday this year. If you arrive or leave outside these times, you will need to arrange your own transport.
Register:
Payment must be made to secure a space.
Spaces: 20 participants Deadline: 25 April 2026 Confirmation: Ongoing, upon payment
Payment:
Cost: 3,750 NOK (Includes workshops, shared accommodation, and all meals)
Bank Transfer: IBAN: NO48 28015224411 BIC/SWIFT: SPSONO22 Include your name and workshop date with the transfer
Crip Linguistics Summer School
Practical information:
Arrival: Sunday, 9 August Free bus from Ål station (Train from Oslo at ~18:00)
Departure: Friday, 14 August Free bus to Ål station (Train to Oslo at 11:30)
If you arrive or leave outside these times, you will need to arrange your own transport.
Register:
Payment must be made to secure a space.
Spaces: TBD Deadline: TBD Confirmation: Ongoing, upon payment
Payment:
Cost: TBD (Includes workshops, shared accommodation, and all meals)
Bank Transfer: IBAN: NO48 28015224411 BIC/SWIFT: SPSONO22 Include your name and workshop date with the transfer
Register Spring
Payment must be made to secure a space.
Spaces: 20 participants
Confirmation:
Ongoing, upon payment
Register Summer
Register Payment must be made to secure a space.
Spaces: TBD
Deadline: TBD Confirmation: Ongoing, upon payment
Payment
Bank Transfer:
IBAN: NO48 28015224411
BIC/SWIFT: SPSONO22
Include your name and workshop date with the transfer
Transport
You can travel between Oslo S and Ål by public transport.
See vy.no or brakar.no for schedules and routes.
Outside these times, please arrange your own transport.
Sample Schedule
The final program will be distributed one month prior to the event.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | Arrivals. Recommended train arrival in Ål at the train arriving around 19:30 for the free shuttle bus. |
| Tue – Fri | Full day program (08:30–18:00). Includes workshops, writing blocks, and meals. |
| Saturday | Morning Session (08:30–10:30). Departure for the 11:30 train to Oslo. |
DeafBlind participants
We warmly welcome DeafBlind participants and others who require personal interpreters.
Participants are responsible for bringing their own interpreters. Interpreters staying on-site will be charged a room and board fee, which can typically be reimbursed through your national interpreting agency.
To guarantee interpreter accommodation, register both the participant and interpreter at the same time and clearly indicate the need for meals and lodging during registration. We recommend doing this as early as possible.
Logistics
- Timing: Allow at least 3 hours between your train/bus arrival in Oslo and your flight departure from Oslo Airport (OSL).
- Rooms: Shared apartments or cabins. Linens and towels are provided. Participants are responsible for cleaning their dishes and removing linens upon departure.
- Interpreters: DeafBlind participants are welcome to bring interpreters. Please register their need for room and board at the same time as your own registration to guarantee accommodation.
- Indoor Shoes: The Workshop Center does not allow outdoor shoes inside. We strongly recommend bringing comfortable indoor shoes or sandals.