Deaf community service?

Question

I previously asked this question, but I accidentally put it up for voting, so I'm asking it again

I really want to reach out to the deaf community. Do any of you have any ideas on how I can really make an impact? I dont just want to help out at a deaf school, but I want to make an IMPACT. I live near the American School for the Deaf in CT.

Additional details:

In response to the long answer, I recently met a deaf person, a son of someone who works with my mom, and he's around my age. I don't know why, but talking with him, with his mom as a translator, and seeing how happy he was (I didn't expect a deaf perosn to still be so happy in life) just made me want to do something. That's why I want to do something. And what I had in mind was making a difference in deaf peoples' lives. I obviously am not going to find a cure for deafness soon, but maybe helping them out in some way. That's why I asked this question, I wanted to know if anyone had any ideas on how to help them out.

Answer 1

Well, the point here is that this kid is happy. Many people within the deaf culture feel that they do not have a disability, and therefore do not need your help. But there are also many deaf and hearing impaired who never found their way into that community, and they often feel isolated and rejected by society.

As an Audiologist, I have encountered both types of people. The first thing you would need to do would be to learn American Sign Language (ASL) and educate yourself about deaf culture and all the issues within the community. Current technology, such as email, text and instant messaging and webcams have helped the deaf communicate with each other around the globe, as well as with those who do not sign.

Some of the controversial issues within the deaf community are whether or not to use devices, such as hearing aids and/or cochlear implants, to provide some degree of "hearing" (it is very different from what you and I are used to). Another ongoing debate is whether or not to teach deaf children aural/oral communication through speaking and using residual hearing with lip-reading, in addition to or instead of using ASL.

Again, most of those individuals who are within the deaf community are content. The people I feel need the most help are those who fell through the cracks - they may not have been enrolled in a deaf education program, or their family may never have accepted their deafness and learned to communicate with them via ASL. I had one patient in his 20s who was thrilled when I passed on my copy of our state's newsletter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - he didn't even know it existed and was amazed to learn of all the social groups that there are in our area for people just like himself.

So beyond learning their language, and more about their culture and community - the most immediate impact I think you could have would be in helping those who do need help find it. There are many organizations and government programs to help the deaf and hearing impaired - the problem is getting the people connected with the help that's already out there.

Of course, as a young person, you can help by de-stigmatizing the deaf community your peers in the hearing world. And this applies for all those people, and especially children, who have different abilities - whether it's hearing or communication disorders, physical limitations, or learning differences. Childhood and adolescence are very difficult times for those kids - so reaching out to make them feel accepted and valued for who they are despite their differences can make a huge difference in their lives.

Answer 2

I am self taught in sign as well as braille. It's been very hard for me to teach myself. but since I was 5 years old I never gave up. I am by far not even close to being advanced in this field of communication, I later on in my 40's started volunteering at a local elementary school that has both dhh/df/ blind etc.. I have learned so much more than I ever could of imagined, plus like languages do.. I learned different dialects. I learned , made friends outside school, slang, much much more. I definitely recommend getting some hands on. As with any language, if you want to learn it the right way, and not just school taught go directly to the source, go to the country, the streets etc.. they have week long camp or weekend camping where all youre doing is signing, check that out. It will be a wonderful experience.

Answer 3

You might take an American Sign Language Course.
In my area, the local Jr. College offers it, in beginner, intermed. and advanced levels. I took it as a night class.
By the third level, you would be capable of volunteering YOUR signing skills, as translator, etc.

And, it would open up communication. That's always a good first step! Good luck!