Check back often for regular updates!
Efforts to rename deafness by non-deaf individuals are not new and have historical roots in assimilation attempts of Deaf individuals into hearing culture. The Milan Conference of 1880 serves as a stark example, where sign language was banned for 150 years in favour of oralism, erasing Deaf culture and language. Currently, some professionals lacking lived experience, such as doctors, audiologists,
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Rick Hansen Foundation’s #APN2024 Accessibility Professional Network event in Vancouver, BC. The event was an enlightening experience, filled with engaging conversations revolving around topics ranging from neurodiversity and the built environment to accessibility in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) planning, and designing inclusive schools to meet building standards. One of the
Under the AODA umbrella, various groups and individuals with disabilities are intended to benefit from improved accessibility and inclusion.
BUT within educational settings, both deaf and hard of hearing (HH) children and aspiring deaf educators encounter toxic environments that hinder their growth and opportunities. One concerning aspect contributing to this toxicity is the prevailing preference for a listening and speaking approach, which extends to teaching methodologies and workplace cultures. This preference, often enforced by educational institutions and influenced by societal norms, neglects the diverse communication needs of deaf and HH children, as well as the valuable contributions of deaf teachers.
There’s been quite a buzz recently over a billionaire’s Twitter comment under a post questioning the use of sign language in videos when captions are available. This situation has significant influence and could have concerning effects on those who share similar sentiments. It might lead to a lack of accommodations in workplaces and the media.
But let’s delve deeper into this issue. English and American Sign Language are distinct languages, each with its own nuances and richness.
When a Group Promoting Accessibility Faces Unexpected Issues In the realm of virtual events, unexpected challenges can arise, especially when a non-accessibility-focused organization brings in a speaker to talk about accessibility. Recently, I attended a webinar under these circumstances, and it shed light on some surprising hurdles faced by participants seeking an inclusive digital experience. As someone with specific accessibility
In the realm of healthcare, effective communication is paramount. Clear and unimpeded communication between patients and healthcare providers is not only essential but often a matter of life and death. For Deaf individuals, this critical need is magnified, as their unique communication preferences and cultural nuances must be accommodated.
Consider this scenario: Carol, a Deaf patient, walks into a Canadian hospital with her mother, looking visibly anxious. Carol relies on American Sign Language (ASL) as her primary mode of communication. She has an important medical appointment, but the doctor assigned to her speaks a different English dialect. Carol’s interpreter, hailing from Texas uses regional signs that differs from Canada. The resulting miscommunication leads to misunderstandings and leaves both Carol and her doctor frustrated and concerned.
