By LIBERTY COYLE-PADDACK
Sheridan High School Student
This column is brought to readers by Sheridan High School dual-credit program students and Human Services teacher Abby Williams.
Deafness is officially defined as a severe loss of hearing ability of 81 or more decibels. To be hard of hearing, one must have a loss of at least 20 decibels.
Deaf culture is completely unique and wonderfully different; it has its own socially accepted behaviors, slang, norms, etc. It is important to realize and respect that.
From a hearing person’s point of view, it is nearly impossible to imagine having never, or having once and then never again, heard the twitter of birds overhead or your mother’s voice telling you she loves you. Yet, many Deaf people have overcome and even embraced their unique opportunity.
There are some Deaf people who resent their inability to hear and refuse to accept it. That is their choice, and it is completely understandable. However, there are others who not only accept it, but graft it into their whole being: they make it their way of life. Deafness is not only a medical term, it is a beautiful lifestyle characterized by community, gratitude, and acceptance.
Deaf people are proud to be called Deaf because they recognize and appreciate this wonderful aspect of their personality and culture. The ‘d’ in Deaf is capitalized because it is more than a medical situation … they are not confined by their inability to hear, but defined by it! Deafness is not a plight that should be viewed negatively; instead, it is a window into a beautiful community of close-knit, compassionate people who are proud of their heritage and stories. Many hearing people struggle to see it this way, but once you realize all the resources available for Deaf people and see the wonderful culture they have created, there is no other way to view it.
Deafness can be a blessed miracle. It all depends on how you look at it.
As someone who has had extremely limited contact with the Deaf community, I never learned about this as a child. I have, however, become increasingly aware of my ignorance throughout this school year. I am taking an American Sign Language class and am thoroughly enjoying it! Additionally, a fellow Blackhawk student who grew up in the Deaf community guided me as I explored this new topic.
I am fascinated by the distinct culture surrounding these resilient people and am very excited to continue learning about and engaging with Deaf culture.