2 answers
Katherine
Student
Renton, Washington
2
Questions
Asked
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What are some challenges that come with working in the Deaf Community while being Hearing (especially in education/teaching)?
I'm a senior in high school looking to major in early childhood education with emphasizes on special education, Deaf and HoH, and visual impairment!
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1934
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Katherine. Since I have trained and worked with the deaf community for many years, I would like to shed some light on what you've asked.
I am a hearing person and I will tell you, it is a great pleasure to work with the deaf community and their supports. The biggest challenge and maybe the only one I found, was the limitations of understanding from hearing people. I want to assure you, once you focus on Deaf Culture Training and hands on interaction with the deaf community, you will see that you can get by on minimal use of American Sign Language (ASL). You will begin to learn how to spell and some important word signs, even your students/clients will teach you ! There is a definite culture among the Deaf and naturally, everyone is unique and individual and you learn more as you continue in this work. I did intensive case management with Deaf adults.
Some Deaf people do not speak, some do. Some use ASL, some don't. Everyone I worked with writes and many times, for specific and intricate conversations when an interpreter was not available, we communicated by written word. Keep in mind that ASL is not English. It is a language unto itself, but you may learn about this by taking a class in the community or at college. I was taught ASL by both a deaf teacher and another time from a hearing teacher and it was easier for me with the hearing teacher. Most of my ASL education was from a non-speaking deaf individual, though. My own challenge was my limitation on use of ASL, although what I could do always seemed to work. I can do ASL but I cannot understand it if someone else is doing it. I think that I started learning it too late in life.
Other than the hearing community's limitations about Deaf people, I can't say that there were any real challenges. The clients I had were wonderful to work with and always effectively expressed their needs and ideas. I would say that my extensive training really helped, however and I feel very fortunate to have had that opportunity for the training and the work.
As an aside, I want to mention that I acted in a theatre production play with a deaf actress that I had a scene with. We used special tactile and visual ques so she knew when to deliver her lines. It was fabulous ! So, you see, there are no limits, just different ways to approach working with the deaf population.
I am a hearing person and I will tell you, it is a great pleasure to work with the deaf community and their supports. The biggest challenge and maybe the only one I found, was the limitations of understanding from hearing people. I want to assure you, once you focus on Deaf Culture Training and hands on interaction with the deaf community, you will see that you can get by on minimal use of American Sign Language (ASL). You will begin to learn how to spell and some important word signs, even your students/clients will teach you ! There is a definite culture among the Deaf and naturally, everyone is unique and individual and you learn more as you continue in this work. I did intensive case management with Deaf adults.
Some Deaf people do not speak, some do. Some use ASL, some don't. Everyone I worked with writes and many times, for specific and intricate conversations when an interpreter was not available, we communicated by written word. Keep in mind that ASL is not English. It is a language unto itself, but you may learn about this by taking a class in the community or at college. I was taught ASL by both a deaf teacher and another time from a hearing teacher and it was easier for me with the hearing teacher. Most of my ASL education was from a non-speaking deaf individual, though. My own challenge was my limitation on use of ASL, although what I could do always seemed to work. I can do ASL but I cannot understand it if someone else is doing it. I think that I started learning it too late in life.
Other than the hearing community's limitations about Deaf people, I can't say that there were any real challenges. The clients I had were wonderful to work with and always effectively expressed their needs and ideas. I would say that my extensive training really helped, however and I feel very fortunate to have had that opportunity for the training and the work.
As an aside, I want to mention that I acted in a theatre production play with a deaf actress that I had a scene with. We used special tactile and visual ques so she knew when to deliver her lines. It was fabulous ! So, you see, there are no limits, just different ways to approach working with the deaf population.
Colleen Oppenzato
learning scientist (math)
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
Hello Katherine,
Kudos to you as you approach the finish line of high school!
Your choice to specialize in early childhood education, particularly focusing on special education, Deaf and HoH, and visual impairment, is not only thrilling but also incredibly vital. My own journey in teaching elementary special education was a rewarding one. Furthermore, my time volunteering at the American School for the Deaf during college, after taking some ASL classes, was an enriching experience. While I haven't had the opportunity to teach students with visual impairments, I was part of a research project that aimed to create assistive technology for students with visual impairments. Each of these experiences was deeply fulfilling.
As someone who is hearing, I found the most significant challenge was acknowledging that the experiences of the Deaf students I worked with were different from my own. I believe the key is a readiness to listen and learn from others.
There are also varying perspectives to consider. Deaf/HoH students or any special needs students may have come across professionals, such as teachers or doctors, who possess a deficit mindset - they focus on what's wrong and what they can "correct." As educators, our role is to facilitate learning. However, I found it beneficial to adopt an abundance mindset during my teaching and volunteering periods. In other words, I made it a point to first acknowledge what was present. Every child brings a wealth of knowledge from their experiences with their families and communities to school. The more we as educators recognize this, the more effectively we can meet children where they are and aid in their advancement. Best of luck to you!
A next step for you (if you haven't already done this), is to read about Deaf culture, take a class in ASL, or attend some Deaf community events. I went to a Deaf poetry slam that I heard about randomly.
I think just the fact that you asked this question, Katherine, is an important step. You know there will be challenges but are excited to learn and help.
Kudos to you as you approach the finish line of high school!
Your choice to specialize in early childhood education, particularly focusing on special education, Deaf and HoH, and visual impairment, is not only thrilling but also incredibly vital. My own journey in teaching elementary special education was a rewarding one. Furthermore, my time volunteering at the American School for the Deaf during college, after taking some ASL classes, was an enriching experience. While I haven't had the opportunity to teach students with visual impairments, I was part of a research project that aimed to create assistive technology for students with visual impairments. Each of these experiences was deeply fulfilling.
As someone who is hearing, I found the most significant challenge was acknowledging that the experiences of the Deaf students I worked with were different from my own. I believe the key is a readiness to listen and learn from others.
There are also varying perspectives to consider. Deaf/HoH students or any special needs students may have come across professionals, such as teachers or doctors, who possess a deficit mindset - they focus on what's wrong and what they can "correct." As educators, our role is to facilitate learning. However, I found it beneficial to adopt an abundance mindset during my teaching and volunteering periods. In other words, I made it a point to first acknowledge what was present. Every child brings a wealth of knowledge from their experiences with their families and communities to school. The more we as educators recognize this, the more effectively we can meet children where they are and aid in their advancement. Best of luck to you!
Colleen recommends the following next steps: