Deaf Culture Panel

Hi All!

Yesterday in Deaf Culture class we had a panel discussion. Five Deaf people agreed to come and answer questions about Deaf culture and what it is like to be Deaf. I have to say - one of the most interesting classes I have been to for a LONG time!

The five people on the panel were from a variety of backgrounds. One was a teacher at the college, one was a worker for the IRS, two were ASL Lab assistants, and one . . . I don't know what he does for a living. He is the boyfriend of one of the girls in class (pretty darn cute, too!). Each of the people were different ages and had different experiences growing up.

It was very interesting to hear about the school experiences of these people. One woman, the teacher, had gone to a residential school for the Deaf. All of the others had been mainstreamed into "hearing" schools for most of their education. One woman went to residential school for high school after begging her parents to let her go there.

All of the people basically said that being mainstreamed was not a good educational experience for a variety of reasons. First, many didn't learn ASL - they were taught a different "mode" of communication which used signs but wasn't a real language like ASL. Also, everyone had to have interpreters in class and had problems with interpreters either not telling them everything that was going on or not voicing everything that they wanted to say in class. It was difficult to have hearing friends because communication was almost impossible except through an interpreter - and who wants that? Finally, the Deaf people weren't able to fully participate in extra-curricular activities because of the need for interpreters, etc.

I can't imagine trying to learn that way. High school is difficult enough but imagine being the only person who is Deaf and not being able to talk to your classmates! Not being able to just raise your hand and talk in class!

The panel talked about interacting with hearing people and all of them said that they wish more hearing people would take the time to learn about Deaf culture.

Interesting stuff that I had never really though of before taking ASL. It really makes you think about what it would be like walking in their shoes.

Just something to think about . . .

Trisha

Voice Update: Still a bit rough around the edged but doing fine. I am trying to get everything worked out but I think seeing Susan on Wednesday will be the best thing!