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A major societal issue the Deaf community faces is a lack of awareness about Deaf people. As humans, sometimes we are afraid of what we do not know. Many people do not know how to act around Deaf people, how to communicate with them, or know where to get a sign language interpreter. Some people may not even know a Deaf community exists where they thrive, socialize, and have a rich culture. People who hear may think Deaf people are incapable of having normal, social, enriching lives.
A major societal issue the Deaf community faces is a lack of awareness about Deaf people. As humans, sometimes we are afraid of what we do not know. Many people do not know how to act around Deaf people, how to communicate with them, or know where to get a sign language interpreter. Some people may not even know a Deaf community exists where they thrive, socialize, and have a rich culture. People who hear may think Deaf people are incapable of having normal, social, enriching lives.
Throughout the history of time there has been negative social attitudes, stereotypes and prejudices towards Deaf people. Deeply rooted myths about Deaf people have been harmful to the community. Deafness is seen as a problem that needs to be fixed and therefore since Deaf people are "broken" the myth that they cannot succeed in normal human life has perpetuated. This has resulted in decreased access to communication and information, lowered expectations for achievement, increased unemployment, and dwindling language acquisition for Deaf children.
Throughout the history of time there has been negative social attitudes, stereotypes and prejudices towards Deaf people. Deeply rooted myths about Deaf people have been harmful to the community. Deafness is seen as a problem that needs to be fixed and therefore since Deaf people are "broken" the myth that they cannot succeed in normal human life has perpetuated. This has resulted in decreased access to communication and information, lowered expectations for achievement, increased unemployment, and dwindling language acquisition for Deaf children.
To help relieve some of these symptoms related to the lack of Deaf awareness here in Utah, it would be worthwhile to hold a Deaf Awareness and fundraising event. The event would take place in the month of September since that has been designated as Deaf Awareness Month. The Robert Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf could host the Deaf Awareness event. The event could include activities such as a silent auction and a family "Fun Run" to raise money for Deaf organizations like Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf, Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, or Robert Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf. The event would also have vendors from the Deaf community along with the Protest Art Exhibit I suggest on the Community Organizing and Activism page of this ePortfolio. An important table at the event would be a communication "tips" table where people who hear can learn tips for communicating with someone who is Deaf and/or request an interpreter.
To help relieve some of these symptoms related to the lack of Deaf awareness here in Utah, it would be worthwhile to hold a Deaf Awareness and fundraising event. The event would take place in the month of September since that has been designated as Deaf Awareness Month. The Robert Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf could host the Deaf Awareness event. The event could include activities such as a silent auction and a family "Fun Run" to raise money for Deaf organizations like Sego Lily Center for the Abused Deaf, Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, or Robert Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf. The event would also have vendors from the Deaf community along with the Protest Art Exhibit I suggest on the Community Organizing and Activism page of this ePortfolio. An important table at the event would be a communication "tips" table where people who hear can learn tips for communicating with someone who is Deaf and/or request an interpreter.
Community Partner Report
Community Partner Report
Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (UTRID)
The Utah Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (UTRID) was established in 1992. It is an affiliate chapter of the national Registry of the interpreters of the Deaf (RID). Upon researching UTRID online, I found that UTRID is a non-profit membership organization "representing the professionals who facilitate communication between people who are deaf or hard of hearing and people who can hear." Interpreters in UTRID serve in a variety of settings including churches, schools, courtrooms, hospitals, theaters, political grandstands and television. The role of UTRID is to support interpreter memberships "by providing the foundation needed to launch and sustain careers while ensuring quality service to the Deaf community." The mission of UTRID states:
The principle purposes of this organization are to initiate, sponsor, promote and execute policies and activities that will further the profession of interpretation of American Sign Language and English and the transliteration of English. (UTRID Bylaws)
It would be great to partner with UTRID in direct service for this Deaf Awareness event because the "communication tips" table can be run by UTRID interpreters. They would also provide interpreting services pro bono for people who hear that want to communicate with the Deaf vendors or those running the event. The flyers advertising for this event would state, "English and ASL interpreters available to provide equal access for all." This way, the population of people who hear may feel more comfortable coming to the event knowing there will be ways for them to communicate with Deaf people. Like stated above, people are afraid of what they don't know. If the Deaf Awareness Event is inclusive for all, then there might be people more willing to come, learn, support and communicate.
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