“What works for your child is what makes the choice right.” ™
Upcoming Events
Parent Night Series: High School to Post Secondary
Great for ages 14 and up. Please have your student join you for game night! Learn about financial assistance, workplace readiness, and next steps after high school
Parent Night Series: Support Available Beyond 18
Great for those 16 and older. Learn what is possible for students with significant disabilities to live, work, and participate in their communities, outside agencies and resources that can support them beyond age 18.
Deaf Culture
The deaf and hard of hearing have a culture of their own that differs a bit from the hearing “norms.” When you see “Deaf” (with a capital) this is a reference to a persons cultural identity. The use of “deaf” (with a lowercase) is a reference to the diagnosis of hearing loss. The use of “hard of hearing” is preferred to “hearing impaired,” since the latter implies a brokenness.
How to Speak to a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Person
- Ask how they would like to communicate (ASL, lipreading, Cued Speech, writing, speaking).
- When using an interpreter, make eye contact and speak to the deaf person, take turns speaking when in a group, and avoid using jargon.
- Speak clearly rather than yell.
- Avoid chewing gum, smoking, or obscuring your mouth while speaking.
- Sometimes the deaf person may not understand what was said. If this happens you may repeat what was said once. If they still don’t understand RESTATE rather than repeat.
Cultural Differences
- The Deaf community tends to be more blunt than what the hearing are used to.
- Facial expressions and body language are a large part of ASL communication and is relied upon to convey meaning.
- Pointing is acceptable and used often to establish a point of reference.
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing use touch often during conversation or to get attention.
- Hand waving, light flashing, banging, and foot stomping are all appropriate ways to get a deaf person’s attention.
- Listening and visual fatigue are real things. Having to keep up with hand movements can make the eyes tired and visual “noise” can be disruptive. Listening fatigue happens with assistive technology that cannot filter out background noise, so those using hearing aids or cochlear devices have a lot of extra input from the surrounding environment which can become mentally tiring.
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