Celebrating with loved ones during the holidays can be particularly difficult for Deaf and Hard of Hearing folks. For example, as everyone at the dinner table is conversing in spoken language, it’s common for Deaf and Hard of Hearing folks to feel left out. Due to these negative experiences, they might refuse invitations to gatherings to avoid feelings of loneliness.
Here’s what you can do to support Deaf and Hard of Hearing folks this holiday:
- 🤐 Host a voices-off event: Challenge your guests to celebrate together without using spoken English. A voices-off gathering will guarantee improvement in your signing, especially if you already know some ASL. Use notepads or your phone to write down text if signing becomes challenging. Set up a white board for everyone to use.
- 🧏 Let Deaf or Hard of Hearing folks lead: Listen and learn from those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the room. Give them space to direct a conversation so they don’t feel lost or left out. Take your time and be patient.
- 👀 Consider the environment: Lighting, background sounds, and visual obstructions can make group conversations challenging. Make sure your gathering area is well lit and arrange seating at tables that are round so Deaf and Hard of Hearing folks can see others’ faces and hands easily when signing and/or lip reading.
- 💡 Learn ASL: Learn more ASL so you can effectively communicate with the Deaf and create a memorable holiday with your loved ones!
🖥️ Find an ASL class with Visually Speaking today and register to save your spot! Spots are limited.
Donations may be allocated to support Certified Deaf Interpreters, DeafBlind interpreters and support, ASL interpreters from marginalized communities, as well as fund requests for event access for Black Lives Matter (BLM) and various marginalized community events.