Do's and Don'ts
Grab a deaf person from behind to get their attention.
Don't!! This is very startling.
Who was Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet?
He established the first American school for the deaf with the help of Laurent Clerc and Dr. Mason Cogswell.
All deaf people can read lips.
False! This is a very difficult skill that only some deaf people have.
To get a room full of people’s attention, flicker the lights.
Do! Only for the WHOLE room's attention though. This is the equivalent of shouting "Listen up!"
What country did American Sign Language originate in? (Before it was known as AMERICAN sign language)
France.
Deaf people can't drive.
False! Statistically, deaf people are BETTER drivers because of how visual they are.
When out with a deaf person, you should order for them.
Don't! Unless a deaf person specifically asks for your help with something, it's very rude (even with good intentions!).
What was Martha's Vineyard known for in the deaf community?
This was an island that had many deaf people living there in the 1800's. Many islanders knew sign language and deaf folks were completely integrated into island life.
Deaf people are very open about things hearing people tend to keep private.
True! Deaf people tend to "over share" (or hearing people "under share"?) about things like salary or the gross details of a stomach bug.
You tell a deaf person something unimportant and they don't understand. They ask you to repeat and you say "Nevermind."
Don't! This is especially rude, even when whatever you say is unimportant.
What was the Milan Conference of 1880?
This was a conference that banned the use of sign language and made oralism the only way to educate the deaf.
Sign names can only be given by a member of the deaf community.
True! This includes deaf people but also other members like CODAs (child of deaf adult).
Get a deaf person's attention by staring at them and trying to make eye contact.
Do! In hearing culture, staring is typically considered rude. However, it is completely appropriate in deaf culture! (Provided you aren't just STARING at them with no intention of getting their attention)
What did Alexander Graham Bell do in the deaf community?
He believed that deaf people were cursed and promoted a very destructive education method called oralism. He even took measures to stop deaf people from marrying because he believed that would spread the "defect" of deafness.
There is a difference between "Deaf" and "deaf" people.
True! There is a difference between "big D" and "little d" people. "Big D" Deaf people are a big part of the community. Typically they have a Deaf family and went to Deaf schools. "Little d" deaf people don't really associate themselves with the Deaf community even though medically they may be deaf or hard of hearing.