Deaf Culture

Deaf CultureDr. Rachel Brown

QUOTES “Deaf people can do everything hearing people

can do, except hear” --I. King Jordan, first Deaf President of Gallaudet University “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot

be seen or even touched…they must be felt with the heart.” -- Helen Keller

“Every one of us is different in some way but for those of us who are more ‘different’, we have to put more effort into convincing the less different that we can do the same thing as they can…just differently.” --Marlee Matlin

Deafness in AmericaDeaf Americans have a significant culture, language, and identity.

There are degrees of deafness from faint hearing loss, to hard

of hearing, to profoundly deaf.

Deaf? HI? HoH?

The proper terminology is DEAF or HARD-OF-

HEARING. Deaf people prefer not to be called

“hearing-impaired”. Impairment is has a negative connotation, most deaf

people are proud to be Deaf.

Causes of deafness

Medical problems in mother while pregnant Problems right after birth Meningitis or other illness Environmental damage (planes, music, etc) accident

Louisiana’s Deaf/Deaf-Blind Population

Highest deaf/deaf-blind population in all of North America (according to US Census info) LHS: about 20 deaf students from 5 parishes every year Deaf clubs: DAC, LAAD, Deaf Chat Miss Deaf Louisiana LA School for the Deaf (LSD) in Baton Rouge

ASL ASL is the language of Deaf Americans. ASL is used in the USA, Canada, and some of Mexico ASL is not a form of English ASL has a unique structure, set of grammatical rules,

and slang that make the language unique from any other

ASL is NOT universal, although it is similar to French Sign Language; ASL was derived from FSL.

ASL is the third most used language in America; fourth most enrolled foreign language in colleges.

Most universities accept ASL for foreign language entrance requirements. In Louisiana, all colleges do, and TOPS accepts it also.

LIP READING

Statistics show that only 30% of what is being said can be understood on the lips (ex. my and by look the same on the lips).

Facial hair, gum chewing, and other things can get in the way of understanding

Do not speak more slowly or loudly when a Deaf person is trying to read your lips.

EQUIPMENT

Some Deaf people do not wish to use any assistive devices.

Deaf people can use a variety of technology to enhance hearing.

Hearing aids

Cochlear implants FM systems

Hearing Aids

Cochlear Implants

1) A microphone-picks up sound from the environment. 2) A speech processor-selects and arranges sounds picked up by

the microphone. 3) A transmitter and receiver/stimulator- receive signals from the

speech processor and convert them into electric impulses. 4) An electrode array-group of electrodes that collects the

impulses from the stimulator and sends them to different regions of the auditory nerve.

Cochlear Implant Controversy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=5pMPpC6eMkA

This is one deaf man’s perspectiveof implantation

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/soundandfury/ This is a PBS documentary that explores both sides of the controversy. Rent or watch online.

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Deaf-Blindness/Usher Syndrome

Most deaf-blind are not born fully deaf and blind. Usher Syndrome is a

progressive, genetic disorder in deaf people who’s vision denigrates over

time.

Tactile Signing

Deaf-blind people sign in other people’s hands and FEEL the language.

DEAF ANIMALS

HELEN KELLER

“The Miracle Worker” movie highlights her life with her teacher, Anne Sullivan

First deaf-blind college graduate Author, public speaker, political activist, world traveler, helped establish the American Civil Liberties Union

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.“ –H.K.

The world’s only all-deaf university!

Deaf Performances/Poetry/Mu

sicwww.d-pan.org

Deaf ProfessionalArts Network

Recommended YouTube Artists:• Keith Wann• Ewitteborg• Sean Berdy• Sean Forbes• Rosa Lee Timm• DPAN videos• Allyballybabe• Signing Time

(kids)

DEAF PERFORMING ARTS

DEAF ARTISTS, PERFORMERS, AND THEATRICAL INFLUENCES ARE ABOUND

http://www.aslfilms.com/

Deaf Artists

Chuck Baird

Deaf Art

Nancy Rourke

Deaf athletes

Shelley Beattie Born 1967 Lost hearing at age three due to

overdose of Aspirin Professional body builder Held bench pressing record of

315 lbs Finished top three at Ms.

Olympia and Ms. International

William Ellsworth Born 1862 Center-fielder Major League

Baseball 188-1902 Meningitis at age three

caused deafness Third deaf person to play

Major Leagues First deaf member of

American Athletic Association’s Deaf Hall of Fame

1864 charter signed by President Lincoln

Baseball/softball, basketball, cross country and track & field, swimming, soccer, volleyball, football

For Parents of Deaf/HoH KidsRachel Coleman (of “Signing Time” fame) is the mother of a deaf child. See and hear her story here. It is moving and inspiring; please watch it in its entirety.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1VUpNv80IQ

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