This website is a guide to provide a basic understanding of the history of Deaf people and education, their culture and language, as well as trending topics. Audism will also be defined and examples will be discussed.
In researching this topic, it was necessary to compare different perspectives of the Deaf community. Being a student in the American Sign Language - English Interpreter program, I have already developed my own opinions and am therefore biased on many subjects. Throughout my research and findings, I noticed that Deaf people are widely oppressed and that my perspectives are based on information and interactions from and with members of the Deaf community. In addition, I have also completed courses such as Deaf Studies, as well as having social interactions with Deaf people in a wide range of settings. I'm not so much biased as I am informed about their lives and culture. It is too often the case where a non-Deaf person has never met a Deaf person, and I am a lucky exception who gets to learn in an environment where Deaf individuals are my teachers and peers.
Now that social media is accessible by anyone, the "hearing" world is becoming more aware of Deaf people and their existence. They have always existed, but recent events have got people questioning who they are, what they're capable of and what they're like. With these many questions comes many assumptions and misconceptions. Later, these form into labels and marginalize Deaf people, which is wrong. I hope this website sparks some interest and teaches you a few things about Deaf people and their lives!