DEAF AWARENESS
- if someone is not responding to you, they may not be just acting rude. They may actually not be able to hear you
- when you find out out someone is deaf, please try not to let the first words that come out of your mouth be “I’m sorry.” or “I could never live like that.” Deafness is not some terminal illness that we suffer through everyday.
- If you see someone struggling to communicate, please do not make them the center of attention. Trust me. The last thing I want when I can’t understand is someone pointing out that I can’t understand.
- if someone is struggling to communicate, and you know sign language, please ASK before you start interpreting. Yes, we appreciate the kind offer, but not everyone is comfortable with some stranger intervening. Also, not all deaf people know sign.
- -When you see someone with hearing loss jamming to their music in public, and you can hear it, please do not ask them to turn it down. It’s really ruse, considering it may just be loud enough for them to hear it or feel the vibrations.
- NEVER cover your mouth and ask if we can hear/understand you.It’s really insensitive. Most of the time, reading lips is very important for people who are deaf to communicate.
- Obviously, never ask how they get and keep their jobs. I feel like I shouldn’t have to explain this one.
- Do not, DO NOT, under any circumstances, encourage or promote the use of technical devices such as hearing aids or cochlears to ANY deaf person. Many of us struggled with these devices as children. As we get older, we start to decide for ourselves if we want to use them. I respect people who their devices, but i do not respect hearing people who know nothing about them suggesting them.
- do not ask “if you’re deaf, how can you speak so well?” It’s basically the same kind of thing as above. many deaf children are fitted for hearing aids/cochlears and sent to speech therapy the minute their hearing parents find out. Some deaf people can speak, some people can sign and speak, and some can sign. It’s honestly their choice, and sometimes it’s not a choice.
- if there’s anything else that you want to know, but just for a slight moment you think “I don’t want to come across as rude,” DO NOT ASK.
- Thank you for reading. The Deaf Community would love it if these were actually followed. :)