What Does Deaf Mean?

National Deaf Center

17 Sept 201803:11

Summary

TLDRThis video script explores the diverse experiences of the deaf and hard of hearing community. Individuals share their unique stories about how deafness affects their lives, challenging the idea that deafness is a singular experience. From those who were born deaf to those who became deaf later in life, each person highlights their journey with communication, identity, and accessibility. The video emphasizes the rich culture, language, and history within the deaf community, while advocating for more understanding and inclusivity toward the varied experiences of deaf individuals.

Takeaways

🎧 Deafness exists on a spectrum, not as a single definition.
🦻 Some individuals are late deafened, while others have been deaf since birth.
👂 There are people with varying levels of hearing loss, including being deaf in one ear and hearing in the other.
👨‍👩‍👦 Deafness can be hereditary, as in some families where multiple members are affected.
🧏‍♂️ Being deaf may overlap with other disabilities, and identities such as being a person of color, LGBTQ+, or having Usher Syndrome.
👥 Deaf people have different identities and ways of engaging with their culture, language, and history.
👐 Some deaf individuals use tactile ASL and pro-tactile communication, especially within the deaf-blind community.
📖 Access to education varies, with some relying on note-takers, interpreters, or cued speech, and many learning ASL later in life.
🎤 Cochlear implants and hearing aids are part of some people's experience, but not all deaf people use these devices.
💬 Representation matters, and deaf people want interpreters who understand their personal and cultural identities.

Q & A

What does it mean that 'deafness is a spectrum' as mentioned by Jessica?
-The phrase 'deafness is a spectrum' refers to the idea that deafness varies widely among individuals, ranging from people with partial hearing loss to those who are completely deaf. It encompasses different experiences and identities, meaning there's no single way to define or experience deafness.
What are some of the identities shared by the individuals in the transcript?
-The individuals identify with a variety of intersecting identities including being deaf, late-deafened, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, bi-racial, having Usher Syndrome, being a little person, and being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Their experiences reflect the diversity within the broader deaf and hard of hearing community.
How did different educational experiences shape the identities of the speakers?
-The speakers had a range of educational experiences, from using note-takers and cued speech to learning ASL at different ages. Some attended public schools, deaf schools, or a combination of both, impacting how they viewed their own identities and interacted within the deaf community.
What challenges do individuals face when accessing communication in group settings?
-Challenges in group settings include the dynamic nature of conversations, making it difficult to follow without visual cues or simultaneous interpreting and captioning. Some people prefer designated interpreters who understand their communication style and identity.
What is Usher Syndrome, as described by Tanya?
-Usher Syndrome is a condition that results in both hearing and vision loss. People with this syndrome often experience a combination of deafness or hearing impairment and progressive vision loss, affecting their access to communication and mobility.
How does Kriston’s identity as a bi-racial, black, and gay person intersect with his deaf identity?
-Kriston’s intersecting identities mean that his experience as a deaf person is also shaped by his racial and sexual identities. He expresses a desire for interpreters who can convey his cultural and racial nuances, showing that interpreting is not just about language but also about accurately representing his full identity.
Why is it important for some deaf people to have interpreters who reflect their background and identity?
-It is important because interpreters play a crucial role in conveying not just words but cultural nuances and context. For individuals like Kriston, having an interpreter whose voice and mannerisms align with his cultural identity helps ensure he is accurately represented and understood.
What is tactile ASL, and who uses it?
-Tactile ASL is a form of American Sign Language used primarily by individuals who are deaf-blind. It involves touch-based signing, where communication is achieved through physical contact, allowing those with combined hearing and vision loss to receive and express language.
What is pro-tactile communication, and why is it important?
-Pro-tactile communication is a philosophy and set of strategies designed to empower the deaf-blind community through touch-based interactions. It goes beyond language, incorporating tactile feedback to create a richer communication experience that promotes social inclusion and autonomy.
Why does Shilpa reject the term 'hearing impaired' and prefer 'deaf'?
-Shilpa rejects the term 'hearing impaired' because it implies that something is wrong or lacking in her hearing. She prefers the term 'deaf' as it is a more neutral and affirming way to describe her identity without negative connotations.

Outlines

00:00

🧏‍♀️ Exploring the Diverse Spectrum of Deafness

This paragraph highlights the diversity and individuality within the deaf community. It introduces various individuals with different deaf experiences and identities. Some are late-deafened, some are born deaf, and some are hard of hearing. The speakers share personal insights into how they identify—whether as deaf, hard of hearing, or even as someone who exists between these categories. They describe their unique backgrounds, cultural experiences, and other intersectional identities, including being bi-racial, gay, or living with additional disabilities like Usher Syndrome. The overarching message is that there isn’t a single way to define deafness, and people’s experiences and identities vary significantly.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Deafness

Deafness refers to a spectrum of hearing loss, which can range from mild to profound. In the video, it is emphasized that deafness is not a monolithic condition but encompasses a variety of experiences. For example, Valerie's statement about being deaf in one ear and hearing in the other highlights the diversity within the deaf community.

💡Late deafened

Late deafened individuals are those who lose their hearing later in life. Jessica identifies as late deafened, indicating that her experience of deafness is different from those who are born deaf. This term is important for understanding the varied pathways to becoming a part of the deaf community.

💡Deaf-blind

Deaf-blindness is a condition where an individual experiences a combination of hearing and vision loss. Bruce's mention of his deaf-blind siblings illustrates the additional layer of challenges faced by some individuals within the deaf community.

💡Hereditary

Hereditary deafness refers to hearing loss that is passed down through families. Felicia's story about being born deaf and having a father who is deaf in one ear provides an example of how deafness can be inherited.

💡Cultural Identity

Cultural identity within the deaf community is deeply rooted in shared language, history, and experiences. The video emphasizes the positive aspects of deaf culture, such as the language and history, which contribute to the identity of individuals like the speaker who sees deafness as a positive thing.

💡Usher Syndrome

Usher Syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes both hearing and vision loss. Tanya's condition exemplifies the intersection of deafness with other disabilities, adding another layer of complexity to the deaf experience.

💡Oral

Growing up oral refers to being raised in an environment that emphasizes spoken language over sign language. Rachel's mention of growing up oral contrasts with those who are part of the sign language community, showing the diversity in how deaf individuals communicate.

💡Hard of Hearing

Hard of hearing is a term used to describe individuals with some degree of hearing loss but who are not completely deaf. Matthew's identification as hard of hearing situates him between the deaf and hearing communities, reflecting the spectrum of hearing loss.

💡Interpreter

Interpreters facilitate communication between deaf and hearing individuals by translating spoken language into sign language. The video discusses the importance of interpreters, particularly in dynamic group discussions, as a means of ensuring inclusion and access.

💡Cochlear Implant

A cochlear implant is a medical device that can provide a sense of sound to individuals with severe hearing loss. The speaker's experience with a cochlear implant at age 15 and subsequent speech therapy illustrates one of the many technological interventions available to those with hearing loss.

💡Pro-tactile

Pro-tactile is a communication approach that emphasizes touch as a primary mode of interaction for deaf-blind individuals. The speaker's interest in learning more about pro-tactile signifies the ongoing exploration and adaptation within the deaf community to accommodate varying needs.

💡Inclusive Education

Inclusive education involves educating students with disabilities in the same setting as their non-disabled peers. The speaker's experience of attending both public and deaf schools highlights the benefits of an inclusive education model that combines different educational approaches.

Highlights

Deafness is a spectrum; it's not just one definition.

Late deafened individuals like Jessica share unique experiences.

Valerie navigates being deaf in one ear and hearing in the other, a nuanced perspective on identity.

Some individuals, like Felicia, have hereditary deafness, highlighting the genetic component.

Bruce introduces the intersectionality of deaf-blindness within his family.

Shira identifies as both deaf and disabled, as she is also a little person.

Kriston highlights multiple identities: deaf, biracial, black, white, and gay, showing the complexity of identity.

Tanya shares her experience with Usher Syndrome, a condition that causes both hearing and vision loss.

Shilpa corrects a common misconception by stating that she is deaf, not hearing impaired.

Deaf culture, language, and history are integral parts of identity for many in the community.

The deaf-blind community incorporates tactile ASL and other unique communication methods.

Pro-tactile communication is something Shira is eager to learn and explore further.

Educational experiences of deaf individuals vary; some use note-takers, while others use interpreters.

Cochlear implants, speech therapy, and adaptive strategies, like seating arrangements, are tools used by some individuals.

Kriston emphasizes the need for interpreters who understand both their work and cultural identity.