The deaf community includes people that are deaf or hard of hearing that share the same common language which is sign language. Also, people included in the deaf community share everyday experiences and values. People in the deaf community do not put themselves as disabled. One of the problems the deaf community faces is finding a place where they feel welcome and trying to find their voice. Deafness can be challenging for a kid because often they are alone in their childhood because of the lack of being around someone that is deaf too. So, deaf schools help with making them feel included. Deaf schooling is also known as signing schooling which helps kids learn sign language and be more comfortable in everyday experiences. This makes kids feel more included and not alone. In the book “Beginning with disability a primer” the author says “What asylums and institutions provided for deaf children through 19th century was a chance to be with other deaf people (Davis et al 59) This shows how much the institutions can help deaf people feel welcome and see people like them. They also talk about “recognition by mirror” which means a realization that insanity is not so unusual. The school helped them feel like their impairment was not a terrible thing and it was “normal.” Seeing others like them made them feel more welcome. Another way society can make deaf people feel more welcome is by having technology. Having technology for the deaf community has helped them because they can now get a professional sign language interpreter who can help lend voice to the person who signs. In the book, the author says, “Using technology, deaf people manage the resource of voice for their needs” (Davis et al 61) Helps us understand that technology can help deaf people in a workspace or just a personal matter. Taking steps to make sure the deaf community feels more welcome is something we need to do. We have already taken steps to the finish line, but we have a long way to go.
Two girls signing the word “Love”
The alphabet but in sign language.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/0YcGev7B5AA
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