Leave The Teaching To The Deafies

Moving Beyond the Hearing Savior Complex: A Real Approach to ASL Education

There is a significant amount of discussion and strong feelings circulating on social media surrounding the topic of hearing people teaching ASL. Here are a couple of AI-generated ideas on what to do instead of teaching ASL.

AI Prompt – what are some ways people can “help” the Deaf community without the savior mentality?  

There are many ways that people can help the Deaf community without approaching it from a “savior” mentality. Here are a few examples:

1. Learn ASL: By learning ASL, you can communicate directly with Deaf individuals and help bridge the communication gap between the Deaf and hearing communities.
2. Support Deaf-owned businesses: Seek out and support Deaf-owned businesses and organizations, which can help to create economic opportunities and build a stronger Deaf community. 
3. Promote accessibility: Advocate for greater accessibility in public spaces, such as captioning in movie theaters or accessible signage in public buildings. You can also support Deaf individuals in their efforts to access education and employment opportunities.
4. Be a good ally: Educate yourself on the experiences and challenges faced by the Deaf community, and use your privilege to advocate for their rights and needs. This can include advocating for greater access to healthcare, employment, and education, as well as promoting greater representation of Deaf individuals in media and entertainment.
5. Listen and learn: Take the time to listen to Deaf individuals and learn from their experiences and perspectives. Avoid assuming that you know what is best for the Deaf community and instead approach the community with respect, empathy, and a willingness to learn and collaborate.