Opinion article by Annemarie le Roux, Department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies, University of the Free State.
Deaf Awareness Month is more than a celebration; it is a call for action. It is an opportunity to foster understanding, inclusion, and respect for the Deaf community. In a world predominantly designed for hearing individuals, it is imperative to acknowledge the experiences of Deaf people, challenge prevailing stereotypes, and strive toward a more inclusive society where every unique experience is valued.
For Deaf individuals, daily life presents challenges that many hearing people might never contemplate. Simple activities such as hearing public announcements or engaging in social events can become significant obstacles when interpreters or visual aids are unavailable. For most hearing individuals, these activities are routine, undertakings they scarcely consider. However, for the Deaf community, these situations can be both isolating and frustrating.
Education: The foundation of awareness
The awareness month provides a vital opportunity to address this disparity by educating hearing people about the Deaf experience. When hearing individuals invest time in understanding the challenges faced by Deaf people, they contribute to creating a world where Deaf individuals can thrive without encountering unnecessary barriers.
A fundamental component of Deaf Awareness Month is education. It is essential to understand that certain actions, such as shouting when speaking to a Deaf person, often do more harm than good. For those who lip-read, shouting distorts lip movements, making comprehension more difficult. Moreover, not all Deaf individuals lip-read - it is a skill that requires learning and practice, and even then, it is not always effective. Yet, many people still make basic errors, such as confusing “deaf” with “death”, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and sensitivity.
It is equally important to recognise that not all Deaf individuals communicate in the same manner. Some use sign language, while others use hearing aids, cochlear implants, or spoken language. For instance, the new Miss South Africa uses a cochlear implant and spoken language. A common misconception is that sign language is universal, but each country typically has its own sign language. In South Africa, we use South African Sign Language (SASL), which is not related to any of the 11 spoken languages, though there are different dialects. This underscores the importance of hearing people and understanding the specific communication needs and preferences of Deaf individuals. Appreciating these differences is crucial to effective communication and respecting the linguistic diversity within the Deaf community.
Access to essential services
The awareness month also highlights the significant struggles Deaf individuals encounter in accessing essential services. Imagine trying to explain your symptoms to a doctor without an interpreter or being a child sent away to a distant school because your local area lacks proper educational facilities for the Deaf. This early separation from family can have profound effects, not only on education but also on the relationships between Deaf children and their parents - especially if the parents are not nearby to have the opportunity to learn sign language alongside their child. Children stay in hostels and only see their parents on weekends if they are lucky, or during holidays, and then when they arrive home, nobody can communicate with them. This is one of the reasons why our Deaf learners would rather stay at school where they can communicate. Just put yourself in the shoes of a Deaf child; you go home for the holiday, but you’re not able to tell anybody at home what is nice and what is not at school. We take communication with our parents and children for granted.
Moving beyond recognition: A time for action
The purpose of Deaf Awareness Month should extend beyond mere recognition, it should be a time for action. It is an opportunity for hearing people to step out of their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and actively engage with the Deaf community. By participating in activities, learning a few signs, or simply taking the time to understand Deaf culture, hearing individuals can help bridge the gap and foster a more inclusive environment.
Inclusivity means more than just sharing the same space; it is about working together, learning from each other, and ensuring everyone feels involved and valued. This can only be achieved if we understand Deaf language and culture. We can draw inspiration from students who have embraced this opportunity, collaborating to learn from each other without expecting anything in return.
Deaf Awareness Month is a time to celebrate differences, but more importantly, it is a time to take meaningful action. By raising awareness and educating ourselves, we can create a society where Deaf individuals are fully included, respected, and celebrated. Let us use this month for lasting change, working towards a world where everyone can thrive, irrespective of their ability to hear.