The History of Deaf Education in the U.S. The journey of Deaf education in the United States is a story of resilience, innovation, and cultural evolution. From the early 1800s to today, the methods and philosophies of how Deaf children are taught have shifted dramatically—reflecting broader debates about language, identity, and inclusion. A Historic Beginning: […]
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 […]
ReadmoreAmerican Sign Language (ASL) is a rich and expressive visual language used by hundreds of thousands of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people across the United States and parts of Canada. But did you know that ASL actually has roots in French Sign Language (LSF – Langue des Signes Française)? Understanding the origins of ASL provides a powerful […]
ReadmoreIn moments of crisis, communication can be a matter of life and death. For the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, interactions with first responders — such as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics — can be especially stressful when language barriers exist. That’s why it is crucial for first responders to have at least a basic […]
ReadmoreIn a world driven by sound — doorbells, alarms, phones, and announcements — people who are Deaf or hard of hearing navigate daily life with the help of innovative technology. These tools are more than just convenient; they are empowering. From safety to communication, technology bridges gaps and ensures greater independence and inclusion. Here’s a […]
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 […]
ReadmoreWhat Is a Cochlear Implant? A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to individuals who are severely to profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sounds, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Main Components: Who […]
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. […]
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