Deaf Culture

deaf cultureChristine SharkeyTeacher of the Deaf/HHDeaf Culture

Deaf Active in the Deaf culture, any degree of hearing loss

deaf Not active in Deaf culture, profound hearing loss

Hearing Hearing within normal limits

Hard of Hearing mild to profound degree of hearing loss

Race/ethnicity varies

Click here for an ABC News article about identityIdentityOfficial language used by people in the Deaf cultureA true language, not a shortcut of spoken EnglishNo written form and not universalASL Interpreters are available to bridge communication between hearing and d/Deaf peopleCurrently popular with hearing babies and their hearing parentsValue: American Sign Language

My identity is ______________________.My language is _____________________.True or False: All people who are deaf feel that ASL is very important.Respond:How would using ASL make life easier?How would using ASL make life difficult? Stop and Think!

Eavesdropping By hearing, by deafWell-lit areas - for easier communicationGetting attention taps, stomps, lightsAnimated discussions Body and facial expressionsSpace near for attention and far to communicatePeople who are Deaf are upfront about appearanceVisiting unannounced Accepted based on historyInterpreters ADA supports, but expense $$$ is an issueEtiquette (Manners)

This is a law that makes sure people with disabilities are not discriminated against, and are provided with equal rights.The government says that a person has a disability if there is a physical or mental impairment, and the impairment makes it difficult to do daily life activities, such as; see, hear, walk, eat, etc.Because of this law, colleges, stores, hotels, airports, etc. need to accommodate people with hearing loss.

Note: People who are deaf/hh are not expected to pay for interpreters in public places such as their work, hospital, doctor, or lawyer appointments. Americans with Disabilities ActVideo Phones and relay for communication from homeSorenson Video Relay Service*Mobile Relay Services for communication on the goSprint Relay ServicesLights, vibrations, and extra loud devicesHarris Communications

*Specific companies listed provide examples. Please note that there are numerous service and product providers available and can be found on the internet.

Technology Examples

True or False:If you know ASL, its okay to eavesdrop on other signers.People who are Deaf stand close together when chatting.People who are deaf or hard of hearing are disabled.People who are Deaf are disabled.It is easy for hearing and deaf people to communicate now, but wasnt in the past.

Stop and Think!

ASL Poetry reflects on shared Deaf experienceClassifier Stories use one or more classifiers to tell a storyHandshape Rhymes use one handshape and incorporate meter or rhythmABC Stories use letters of the alphabet to tell a storyWatch an ABC Story - Look for the alphabet in the signs!Number Stories use numbers or number patterns Watch an ASL Number Story - Look for numbers 1-10!Narratives relate to aspects of shared Deaf experiences, often humorous or highlight triumphs

Value: LiteratureWilliam Hoy Deaf baseball player introduced hand signalsFootball huddle First used by Gallaudet Universitys football team so opponent would not see them discussing the playDr. I. King Jordan was the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University after the Deaf President Now march in Washington D.C.Gallaudet University is the only college in the WORLD for people who are deaf/hard of hearing.

Famous Deaf People & TriviaThe soup story was an example of __?Deaf poetry DOES/DOES NOT have rhythm.Which school started the football huddle?Where do you think would be a good place or time to use ASL instead of talking?

Stop and Think!

Residential Schools Children sleep in dorms and may see their parents only on the weekends. This is where many Deaf children learned ASL. Western Pennsylvania School for the DeafDay schools Schools for the deaf/hh without dorms. Students live at home and must have a hearing loss to attend. Pennsylvania School for the DeafSelf-contained classrooms/Resource rooms Classes for students with hearing loss inside a public school.Mainstream/Inclusion Students attend their neighborhood public schools with hearing peers, and use educational interpreters when necessary.Education

90% of people who are deaf have hearing parentsMany people who are Deaf enjoy time to use ASL with others who are fluent, sharing experiences and struggles in the hearing world.Some cities have a building for the club, others organize in restaurants or public places.DINGO is a card game often played at the private events. CODAs are Children Of Deaf Adults and (hearing or deaf) can learn Deaf culture through the Deaf Club.Deaf Clubs

Controversial topic Some enjoy, dance and play instruments, others have no interest at allSigned songs More accepted when interpreted into ASL by a person who understands the cultureD-PAN music videos Deaf sign to musicOfficial Chase ASL Interpreter signs to musicMusicReflectImagine that you are young, with no language. Your parents drop you off at a new school and leave you there. The teachers want you to learn to speak, but you cant hear your voice or theirs. You make friends in the dorms and learn to sign secretly. Has there been a time when you didnt understand what was happening? How did you feel? Who did you go to? What did you do? How could you stop this from happening again?

Stop and Think!

A deaf person can do anything a hearing person can, except hear.

Dr. I. King JordanKeep an Open MindLadd, P. (2003) Understanding Deaf Culture: In Search of Deafhood Multilingual Matters LTD, Clevedon, EnglandMoore, M.S. & Levitan, L. (2003) For Hearing People Only Third Edition. Deaf Life Press, Rochester, NYZinza, J. (2006) Master ASL! Sign Media Press, Burtonsville, MD

Resources