Lack of access to language and/or assistive devices. Deaf children are often delayed in acquiring and developing their language because they don't get early access to sign language. Children who live in poverty or in rural areas can't afford or get access to technology such as hearing aids.
Deaf people who communicate using sign language, most commonly American Sign Language (ASL), frequently do not have access to clear and efficient communication in the healthcare system, which deprives them of critical health information and qualified health care.
Life can be tough at the best of times, but when you factor in the challenges of being deaf, it's even tougher. Deaf people can become isolated, cut-off and left- out very easily, especially when others don't make enough effort to communicate.
A Sign Language interpreter is an essential solution to ensure the accessibility of deaf and hard-of-hearing people,. These are professionals qualified to translate the messages being transmitted by voice into ASL.
As previously discussed, 90% of deaf children have hearing parents. The remaining 10% are deaf children that were born to deaf parents, and most are deaf due to a genetic abnormality. This being the case, there is a fair chance that they will pass their deafness on to their own children.
As you can imagine, the challenges of hearing loss can leave deaf and hard of hearing people feeling lonely and isolated. They live in a “hearing” world, so they communicate and interact with it differently. As a result, some people may treat them differently or even discriminate against them.
Don't stare at Deaf people signing. It's rude to stare, period. And if you know ASL it's doubly rude, because you're eavesdropping.
However, some aspects tend to stay the same everywhere. These can become great examples of deaf culture, such as collectivism, use of Sign Language and a direct and blunt way to communicate.
Speech and lip-reading are the least effective communication strategy between Deaf and hearing people.
The body language and facial expressions used by people who are hearing are subconscious. However, in the Deaf community, these body movements, hand gestures, and facial expressions are conscious and considered some of the most important and foundational elements of their communication.
Among the greatest difficulties deaf-blind people face are those related to communication and mobility; communication barriers in particular can lead to a profound sense of isolation and loneliness. Deaf-blind people can and do hold responsible jobs in challenging fields, but job opportunities remain limited.
Similarly, body language such as posture and facial expression can completely change the meaning of a conversation for a deaf person but may only subtly change meaning for hearing people. Similarly, it is considered incredibly rude to grab a deaf person's hands while they are signing.
Many deaf people play musical instruments and take part in music activities on a daily basis. It is a misconception that they cannot, or do not, participate in and enjoy music.
2- Eye Contact in the Deaf Community If talking to a Deaf person, it is considered rude not to make eye contact. Deaf people do not hear with their ears, they hear with their eyes. Everything on your face is important to people in the Deaf community, including facial expressions.
FACT: Some deaf people speak very well and clearly; others do not because their hearing loss prevented them from learning spoken language. Deafness usually has little effect on the vocal chords, and very few deaf people are truly mute. MYTH: Hearing aids restore hearing.
Some people believe that the term “people with hearing loss” is inclusive and efficient. However, some people who were born deaf or hard of hearing do not think of themselves as having lost their hearing. Over the years, the most commonly accepted terms have come to be “deaf,” “Deaf,” and “hard of hearing.”
NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid these terms as they often are used inaccurately and can be offensive. It is acceptable to refer to someone as deaf or hard of hearing. If possible, ask the person which is preferable. Mute and dumb imply that communication is not possible.
In reality, though, there are few truly tone deaf people - it is estimated that only between two and five percent of the population is medically tone deaf - and there are varying degrees and types of tone deafness.
It's to create awareness about what deaf people can do and can't do. And really, the only thing that we can't do is hear. That's it.
Speak directly and clearly so they may read your lips. Most lip reading is guesswork. Don't yell or exaggerate mouthing or mock sign language or make obscene gestures which is offensive Don't label a deaf person: "Deaf Mute" "Deaf & Dumb" "Hearing Impaired" those terms are wrong.