Biography

Laurie Achin is a Lecturer and the American Sign Language (ASL) Program Coordinator at the University of Georgia, where she has taught since 2019. She brings over 15 years of experience in deaf education and ASL instruction and is dedicated to supporting diverse learners and promoting Deaf culture. Laurie teaches a range of ASL courses, including AMSL 1010–2020 and 3020, and mentors students across the ASL program. She also leads the ASL Immersive Experience Program through UGA Engage/Experiential Learning, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. She earned her M.A. in Education/Teaching of Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing from Gallaudet University.

In addition to her academic role, Laurie works professionally as an ASL consultant, co-producer, and actor with Don’t Matter Media, a production company serving both deaf and hearing audiences. She has also served as an ASL consultant for The Walking Dead (Seasons 10 and 11) and is a Deaf Mentor with Georgia PINES, a statewide program supporting families of deaf and hard of hearing children.

Laurie has been recognized with several honors, including the Faculty Senate D. Keith Osborn Award for Teaching Excellence and the UGA Career Center’s Student Career Success Influencer Award.

Areas of Expertise

  • American Sign Language
  • Deaf Education
  • Linguistics
  • ASL assessments
  • Deaf Studies/History
  • Early intervention
  • School-aged language/ Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Theatre/film/ ASL storytelling

Interests

  • Language Deprivation
  • Communication accessibility
  • Advocate for Education for Deaf and Hard of hearing students
  • Bilingual - ASL/English
  • Theater Interpreting

Concentrations

Education

  •  B.A in Drama Education in Drama Education, 2003
    Gallaudet University
  •  M.A. in Deaf Education in Deaf Education/ American Sign Language, 2008
    Gallaudet University

Contact

 774-454-0391 (mobile)

Office Hours

  • By appointments