A Realistic Look at the Journey to Interpretation Becoming an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter is an exciting and rewarding path—but it’s also one that requires time, dedication, and a deep respect for Deaf culture and language. One of the most common questions people ask is: “How long does it take to become an ASL interpreter?” […]
When disaster strikes — whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, mass shooting, or health emergency — access to information can mean the difference between safety and danger. But for many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, emergency alerts and instructions are often incomplete, delayed, or completely inaccessible. In life-threatening situations, this isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a matter of survival. […]
In today’s world, we often hear about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Companies celebrate cultural awareness days, update policies, and talk about equal opportunity. But what happens when accessibility is overlooked, and inclusion is only surface deep? For many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, workplace discrimination remains a very real and often invisible challenge. What Does Discrimination Look […]
Imagine sitting at a dinner table surrounded by laughter, stories, and conversation—only you’re not part of any of it. You can see lips moving, hear bits of laughter, and catch someone glancing your way—but you have no idea what’s going on. For many Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH) people, this isn’t a rare […]
The Importance of Deaf Representation in Media In a world where media shapes perceptions, representation matters—especially for marginalized communities like the Deaf and hard of hearing. Authentic and visible representation in television, film, news, and digital content is more than just inclusion—it’s a powerful affirmation of identity, culture, and belonging. Why Representation Matters When Deaf […]
If you’re new to learning about the Deaf community or American Sign Language (ASL), you may have come across different terms like Deaf, deaf, and Hard of Hearing. While they may seem similar at first glance, each term carries its own unique meaning and cultural significance. Let’s break it down: “Deaf” with a Capital D Deaf (capital “D”) refers […]
When many people hear the word Deaf, they think of someone who can’t hear. While that’s true from a medical perspective, being Deaf is about much more than hearing loss—it’s about identity, culture, community, and language. Audiological vs. Cultural Deafness From an audiological standpoint, a Deaf person typically has a profound hearing loss, meaning they hear […]
Daily Practice Ideas Practice With Others Classroom or Study-Based Practice Creative Practice Technology-Based Practice
1. Total Population with Hearing Loss However, this includes a wide range: 2. People Who Identify as Deaf or Seriously Hard of Hearing 3. Breakdown: Deaf vs. Hard of Hearing It’s important to distinguish: Group Estimate Notes Culturally Deaf (use ASL, strong Deaf identity) ~500,000 – 1,000,000 Use ASL as primary language Hard of Hearing (moderate-severe loss) ~10 million […]