Deafness and Identity
What is American Sign Language?
True or False: All Deaf people want cochlear implants.
False – Many in the Deaf community reject implants in favor of Deaf identity and ASL.
Lack of direct access to teachers and peers due to communication barriers.
What is hearing aid or cochlear implant?
True or False: All Deaf individuals use American Sign Language (ASL).
False – Some use spoken language, cued speech, or other communication methods.
Why is fingerspelling not a complete substitute for ASL?
ASL has its own grammar and structure, while fingerspelling only represents English words.
What is a common myth about Deaf people and driving?
Some believe Deaf people are unsafe drivers, but studies show they are often more visually aware and just as safe as hearing drivers.
Over 90% of Deaf children are born to hearing parents, many of whom do not know ASL.
What is VRS (video relay service)?
What is a common misconception about the intelligence of Deaf individuals?
Many wrongly assume Deaf people have lower intelligence, but language access is the key factor affecting learning, not intelligence.
Why is early language exposure critical for Deaf children?
Lack of early exposure to a full language system can lead to language deprivation and cognitive delays.
True or False: Deaf people can’t enjoy music.
False – Many Deaf people experience music through vibrations and visual cues.
What is music?
True or False: Captions are only helpful for Deaf people.
Captions benefit non-native speakers, those in noisy environments, and people with auditory processing issues.
Why do some Deaf people prefer Deaf schools over mainstream schools?
They provide full language access, cultural connection, and social inclusion, unlike mainstream settings where communication barriers may exist.
True or False: Lip-reading is an effective way for Deaf people to understand speech.
Why is it incorrect to assume all Deaf people want to be “cured”?
Many Deaf individuals embrace their identity and do not see themselves as needing a cure.
They provide cultural and linguistic role models for Deaf children and their families.
Why is accessibility in public spaces important for Deaf individuals?
It ensures equal participation through captioning, interpreters, and visual alerts.
How does the Deaf community challenge the traditional definition of culture?
Deaf culture is based on shared language and experiences, rather than ethnicity or geography.
What is English?
What is "audism"?
(A: Discrimination or prejudice against Deaf people based on the belief that hearing is superior.)
Discrimination or prejudice against Deaf people based on the belief that hearing is superior.
Why is Deaf education often a controversial topic?
Debates exist over ASL vs. oralism, mainstreaming vs. Deaf schools, and cochlear implants.
What is one major area where accessibility for Deaf people is still lacking?
Emergency services, where real-time communication barriers can exist.