What is Accessibility ?

Accessibility is the practice of making information, activities, and/or environments sensible, meaningful, and usable for as many people as possible. Here are some examples of accessibility for the Deaf community:

• hiring an ASL interpreter for any information being spoken

• providing a video of text-based information translated into ASL by an interpreter

• keeping signing spaces well lit/having as much natural or soft light as possible

• maintaining a clear sightline

• hallways that are wide enough for two signers to walk next to eachother comfortably while signing

• door bells that flash the lights in addition to making a sound

• call using FaceTime rather than voice call

• wearing masks with clear panels 

• there are many more, these are just a few!

What is an Ally?

According to Handspeak, “Hearing allyship is when hearing people support Deaf people, leaders, and advocates, stand by them, or work with them in advocacy."

A few examples of being an Ally for the Deaf community:

• stand up against inequalities and inequities when you are able to 

• if you are hearing, put your hearing privilege to good use!

• If you notice decisions are being made that will affect Deaf people, advocate for the Deaf perspective and opinion to be taken into account. Make sure to include Deaf people in the decision making process

• have an eye out for things that are inaccessible and think of ways to change them

• continue your effort to grow, learn, improve your ASL and understanding of the Deaf community

• be mindful that not all d/Deaf people are the same

• respect the independence of d/Deaf individuals 

• do not try to "fix", and aim to "serve" not "help"

• be direct, no need to "beat around the bush"

• turn your voice off in signing spaces

• maintain eye-contact in signed conversations 

• accept feedback

• listen

• self-reflect

• be an advocate!

What is an Advocate?

Advocacy is taking action in service of a cause, and the people it affects, to influence decision-makers and decision-making. An advocate for the Deaf community stands up agaisnt inequalities, inequities, and discrimination towards the Deaf community. They fight to make sure needs are being met and injustices are known in an effort towards making change. 

Equality vs. Equity

Equality is giving everyone equal access and resources, but Equity is making sure that everyone's needs are being met. This may mean that some need more support than others to reach the same goal.

What is an "AGENT OF CHANGE" ?

An "Agent of Change" is someone who goes beyond simply recognizing a need/barrier/inequity and actually participates in creating positive change change. This is done through working in an active, collaborative process with others.

Levels of Involvement:

Being an Agent of Change in a community-based learning experience requires 3 levels of involvement: Individual, Group, Community

Within each level of involvement are qualities of the "7 C's of Leadership Development". 

Consciousness of Self

being aware of our values, attitudes, and emotions that motivate us to action

Congruence

thinking, feeling, and behaving with consistencet, authenticy, and honesty toward others

Commitment 

energy that motivates one to serve and that drives collective effort

Collaboration 

working with others in a common effort

Common Purpose

working with others in a common effort 

Controversy with Civility 

differences in viewpoint are inevitable and those differences must be aired but with civility if the group is to accomplish its task effectively while honoring individual group members 

Citizenship

an individual and the collaborative group become reponsibly connected to a community through a service activity

My Background:

I group up in a small town called Dover, OH, and I had never been exposed to deaf peolpe, culture, or education before arriving at OSU. 

I decided to minor in American Sign Language because I thought it sounded interesting and relevant to my major. 

I quickly came to enjoy learning ASL very much, an I was amazed to learn how deep and rich the language and it's culture is. I have now taken 5 ASL courses, which has given me a good look into the history of oppression that the deaf community has faced, especially in regards to oralism.

On several instances, I have met deaf people who ask me what my major is, and when I tell them it is Speech & Hearing, I've watched their face respond with negative feelings, or hurt.

It in this moment I noticed that there was still room for improvement in the field of Speech-Language Pathology to impliment more culturally responsive practices. 

Visiting Gallaudet's SLP Program:

I wanted to find a way to continue serving the deaf community in my career path, Speech-Language Pathology. I began researching graduate programs that offered specializations or competencies in working with deaf and hard of hearing patients. To my surprise, there was only one: Gallaudet.

Coincidetally, I was already planning on visiting a friend in Washington D.C. over spring break, so decided to schedule a tour of Gallaudet's SLP program. I also had a chance to sit down with the program's director.

I enjoyed this visit very much! The director explained to me how they accept hearing students to teach them how to use culturally appropriate practices when working with deaf clients while recieving all other SLP board certifications. Given that this is a predominatley deaf university, I felt assured that there was adequate input from the deaf community to develop a program that adequately fits their needs.

Engaging in Meaningful Conversation/Breaking Stigmas:

While in DC, I also visited the Signing Starbucks. I brought my friends who had not experienced a deaf space like this before which naturally sparked a converstaion about ASL.

They asked me to order for them in ASL, but I encouraged them to do it themselves. The store has a visual menu at the register so I told them they could point to the drink they wanted as well as the size.

One friend said, "but I want the drink iced not hot". I responded by suggesting she point to the drink then use the sign COLD. This worked beautifly, and all of my friends were able to interact with deaf staff and order on their own!

While sitting and drinking our coffee, one friend asked if ASL was considered a real language, to which I was able to explain why it is. We also talked about how it's not a word-for-word translation of English. They were curious about other aspects of ASL/deaf culture and I shared with them some simple explanations breaking the stigmas/biases they held.

I've learned that many people inherently hold similar biases, and they ask me about them with good intentions. After this class, I feel equipped to engage in conversations like these confidently.

Continuing Service with CSL & CCEC

OSU has implimented a grant that allows students to continue working with their community partners after the semester is over while getting paid. I am excited to continue my service with CSL and branching out to do more residential work. I will be working with Columbus Colony Elderly Care, a deaf-friendly nursing home, as well. The combination of working of both sites will diversify the experiences I am having and the work I am able to engage in. During this time, I hope to seek more ways that I can become an Agent of Change.