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?” […]
ReadmoreWhen 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. […]
ReadmoreWhat Is the Bi-Bi Model? The Bi-Bi (Bilingual-Bicultural) model is an educational philosophy that uses two languages and two cultures as the foundation for learning: This model recognizes that Deaf children learn best when they have full access to language — and for most, that means a visual language like ASL from the very beginning. Why Is the Bi-Bi Approach Important? 1. Language […]
ReadmoreImagine 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 […]
ReadmoreThe 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 […]
ReadmoreWhen 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 […]
ReadmoreI. Genetic Causes These are inherited or caused by genetic mutations, either present at birth or progressive over time. II. Acquired Causes These are due to factors after conception and can occur prenatally, perinatally, or postnatally. A. Prenatal (before birth) B. Perinatal (during birth) C. Postnatal (after birth) III. Unknown or Idiopathic Causes In some cases, no identifiable […]
ReadmoreHearing loss is measured in decibels (dB) — the unit of sound intensity.The more decibels lost, the more severe the hearing loss. Hearing loss typically falls into these five categories: Degree of Hearing Loss Hearing Level (dB) Description Common Experience Normal Hearing 0–25 dB Can hear soft sounds like whispering and rustling leaves. No difficulty hearing everyday speech. […]
Readmore1. 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 […]
ReadmoreThe Story of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc: The Birth of American Sign Language and America’s First Deaf School In the early 1800s, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet was a young American minister from Connecticut who became deeply interested in Deaf education. His curiosity was sparked by a little Deaf girl named Alice Cogswell, the daughter of a neighbor. […]
Readmore