Students encourage representation during National Deaf History Month
PHOTO: Sign language is very important to the Deaf community.
By Shira Kalish,
BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–
National Deaf History Month begins on March 13 and runs through April 15. It commemorates the achievements and contributions of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community.
Sophomore Chang-May Tan is Deaf and attends the California School for the Deaf in Fremont, CA.
“Deaf History Month means representation. It gives more people, both hearing and Deaf, an opportunity to gain awareness about the Deaf culture, community and language,” Tan said.
According to Tan, hearing people can support the Deaf community by being open-minded.
“Don’t be afraid to come up to us if you have any questions or would like to communicate with us. We’d love to talk with you guys,” Tan said.
Tan said that if hearing people would like to learn sign language, they should seek out the many resources on the internet and social media created by Deaf people. When hearing people teach sign language for “clout,” she said, they are taking advantage of the Deaf community.
“This is not okay at all because Deaf people have endured hundreds of years of hatred and oppression from the hearing community. Sign language is something we’ve always resonated with and it’s our safe haven. It is something we deeply care about and want to preserve,” Tan said.
Tan said that hearing people who do not know sign language should communicate with Deaf people through writing, texting or gestures, rather than relying on lipreading.
“Most of us can’t [lipread],” Tan said. “If you actually meet a Deaf person who is able to lipread, chances are that they’re not able to catch what you’re saying about 50 percent of the time.”
There are 15 students in the Davis Joint Unified School District who qualify for special education services under the category of DHH. According to DJUSD Director of Special Education Patrick McGrew, these students have Individualized Education programs (IEPs) that address their needs, including services, accommodations and supports. Special education teachers ensure that each student’s IEP is implemented with fidelity. Some DHH students use hearing aids and others have American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters.
“Students and staff can help all students by acting in an inclusive manner. When students and staff are interested in and supportive of all students, everyone benefits,” McGrew said.
Tan said that the Deaf community is very accepting of those interested in learning more about it.
“Deaf people are capable of doing anything, except to hear. We’re able to drive, communicate and be independent,” Tan said. “It would be greatly appreciated by the Deaf community if you could take the time to learn about [it]. Happy Deaf History Month!”
