Maartje De Meulder is a Belgian Deaf scholar, senior researcher at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (Netherlands), and Honorary Research Fellow at Heriot‑Watt University in Edinburgh. She is a prominent expert in Deaf Studies, particularly in sign language policy and planning, sign language technologies, and Sign Language Interpreting Studies. Her interdisciplinary work addresses societal challenges faced by Deaf communities, focusing on ethics in sign language technologies and enhancing communication access. She is also a dedicated mentor and advocate for building Deaf scholarly capacity.
Early Life and Education
Maartje De Meulder was born in Flanders, Belgium, to hearing, non-signing parents and is the oldest of four children. She experienced hearing loss during her teenage years and attended mainstream schooling, relying on hearing aids, FM systems, and lip-reading. She learned Flemish Sign Language (VGT) at age 16 through social engagement with the Flemish Deaf community[1].
She obtained an MA in Disability Studies from Ghent University in 2005, then pursued an MSc in Deaf Studies at the University of Bristol (completed in 2007), where instruction was largely in British Sign Language, fostering both academic and cultural identity[1]. Later, she completed her PhD in Finnish Sign Language at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, in 2016[2].
Academic Career
Maartje De Meulder is a senior researcher with the “Speech and Language Therapy: Participation through Communication” research group and a senior lecturer at the Institute for Sign Language & Deaf Studies, HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht[3][4]. She also holds the role of Honorary Research Fellow at SIGNS@HWU, Heriot‑Watt University[3][5].
Research Focus and Contributions
Her interdisciplinary research bridges Deaf Studies, Disability Studies, Sign Language Interpreting Studies, and Human–Computer Interaction. She focuses on ethical development and use of sign language technologies and their implications for access and communication among Deaf communities[3][4]. Among her ongoing projects are “Deaf people’s interactions through and with technologies” (2023–2027) and “Exploring family sign language policy in mixed deaf–hearing families” (2018–2020)[5].
Publications and Editorial Work
She has co-edited important volumes such as Innovations in Deaf Studies (Oxford University Press, 2017) and The Legal Recognition of Sign Languages (Multilingual Matters, 2019) and has guest-edited several journal issues[5][6]. Her publications include key chapters and articles on topics such as sign language recognition, Deaf academic professional class, and inclusive education [6]. Notable highly cited works include The legal recognition of sign languages (2015), Innovations in Deaf Studies (2017), Describe, don’t prescribe… translanguaging (2019), and Sign language interpreting services… (2021)[7].
She coordinated the Erasmus Mundus Design Measure (MADS) initiative to develop a joint international Master in Applied Deaf Studies (2022–2024) and leads other projects at HU such as “Dutch deaf Community in the picture (DIB)” (2024–2026)[3][5].
Recognition and Impact
De Meulder is deeply invested in developing Deaf academic leadership. She leads dr Deaf training workshops for students and early-career researchers[3][4]. Additionally, she is among the curators and managing editors of Acadeafic, a bilingual (signed and written) Deaf-curated academic blog/vlog platform that increases accessibility and engagement with research[4].
Maartje De Meulder stands as a pioneering voice in Deaf Studies, merging research excellence, advocacy, and pedagogy. Her leadership in shaping educational programs, mentorship, and media platforms underscores her lasting influence in enhancing equity, accessibility, and visibility of Deaf scholarship.
- The Mind Hears. (2021). Profile: Dr. Maartje De Meulder. The Mind Hears.
- Expertendatabank. (n.d.). Maartje De Meulder – Study(s) and diplomas. Expertendatabank.
- HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. (n.d.). Dr. Maartje De Meulder – Senior researcher/lecturer profile. HU.
- HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. (n.d.). Maartje de Meulder – Research group profile. HU International.
- Signs@HWU. (n.d.). Dr. Maartje De Meulder – Projects. Heriot‑Watt University.
- Maartje De Meulder. (n.d.). Publications. Personal website.
- Google Scholar. (n.d.). Maartje De Meulder – Citation metrics. Google Scholar.
