Dr. Shirin Antia

On Sunday, February 6, the field of Deaf Education lost a beloved teacher, colleague, and friend, Dr. Shirin Antia. 

Dr. Antia had retired from the Deaf Education program at the University of Arizona in June of 2021 and was preparing to take on the role of Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education. Dr. Antia’s research, professional articles, and book contributions  surrounding inclusion and literacy are well-known. An avid naturalist, she loved nothing more than to watch native birds in their habitats and to walk through her beloved Saguaros in the desert that drew her to Arizona. A memorial service is being planned, but no date is yet available.

Shirin was an energetic, competent, caring, talented (she sang and played piano), warm, and confident woman. She would not want us to be sad. So in honor of Dr. Shirin Antia, put on a funny hat and laugh with people as they point and giggle. Let’s hope our laughter helps uplift us all, and that it rises to adorn her, wherever she may be.

Susan Easterbrooks, JDSDE  Christina Rivera, Univ of Arizona