Deaf Gain

Deaf Gain is the reframing of the classic, medical term "hearing loss." Deafness is not a deficit or burden, and it only takes a few moments to recognize that advantages in Deaf culture exist. Deaf Gain focuses on the diversity deaf individuals can bring in contributing to the greater good of society.

Artists Displaying Deaf Gain

Model Secondary School For the Deaf

Wonderism and Guy Wonder

Wonderism is the theme chosen for a 2019 art challenge to pay homage to Betty G. Miller and Chuck Baird. Deaf students all around America were challenged to create a De'VIA artwork in Guy Wonder's style using any recycled materials they could find.

The goal of the competition was not to win but rather teach young deaf children about De'VIA art. Guy Wonder was 1 of the 9 founders of De'VIA Art.

To the left is one of the student submissions. The poster board shows a journey from left to right, of the hands tied together on the left to the bright keyhole on the right breaking the chains.

Guy Wonder dedicated his life to spreading the d/Deaf perspective through his art, and he provided avenues for deaf youth to find their Deaf identities. He truly exemplifies the concept of Deaf Gain!

Blanche Lazzell (1878 - 1956)

Blanche Lazelle is a notable deaf, female woodblock painter. She grew ill and became deaf when she was in university. She continued to learn in mainstream schools, as she could speak and communicate with her professors, and oralism was the main mode of teaching at the time.

During a time that female artists were not taken seriously, Blanche started her own art school. She remained a student her whole life, constantly learning new ways to look at the world and show it in her woodblock prints.

Authors Displaying Deaf Gain

Willy Conley

William "Willy" Conley is a notable, Deaf playwright, actor, and author, known for his works Vignettes of a Deaf Character and Salt in the Basement. His work in the theatre business help bring true, three-dimensional deaf characters to life as he performs for the deaf and hearing communities. He encourages any in the creative business to make work that is uniquely their own and true to themselves.

Conley's piece, Salt in the Basement, illustrates how ASL is not simply a visual form of English, it is another language entirely. ASL has its own rules and grammar that cannot be glossed over top written or spoken English.

John Lee Clark

John Lee Clark is a deaf poet and writer. With a Deaf mother and a Deaf-Blind father, John Lee Clark has been immersed in the Deaf community his entire life. He is the first signer to be published in Poetry, a prestigious magazine for poets.

His work in editing Deaf American Poetry: An Anthology brings together many ASL and Deaf poets to share their lives and works in one space. The poem, "Long Goodbyes," celebrates the deaf community and all that can be gained in strong relationships with one another.

Three Things Deaf Gain Has Taught Me

One - Deaf Gain benefits Everyone

By making spaces accessible to d/Deaf individuals, both the hearing and deaf worlds can benefit from the knowledge of ASL and deaf culture. We need to reframe the mindset that deafness is a deficit. Hearing parents should not have to feel worried if their child is born deaf, as their child can and will lead a full life.

Two - Allow Children to Play a Role in their Education/Medical Care

Oftentimes, hearing parents try to do what they think is best for their deaf child. Many examples in class show the importance of ASL in forming communication bridges between parent and child. If the parent chooses an oralist method, it can lead to damage to relationships down the road if the child believes the wrong choice was picked. In terms of medical care, I believe deaf children should be fully educated on cochlear implants before they receive one.

Three - Deafness is not something to be "fixed."

When scrolling online, I came across a game-post of "Would You Rather...?" One of the questions asked, "Would you rather be deaf or blind for the rest of your life?" Before my time in the ASL Minor at Ohio State, I would not have seen the ableism in that question. Many of the comments stated something along the lines of, "Deaf, there is more technology to fix it nowadays." Now, I see the beauty and diversity of the d/Deaf community and spread that knowledge to my friends and family.

References:

“BGM/CB Tribute 2018-2019 Wonderism.” De’VIA Curriculum, Word Press, 16 May 2020, deviacurr.wordpress.com/bgm-cb-tribute-2018-2019/.

Clark, John Lee. Deaf American Poetry: An Anthology. Gallaudet Up, 2009.

Pajka, Sharon. "Interview with Deaf Playwright Willy Conley." Deaf Characters in Adolescent Literature. Blogspot, 13 July 2009.

Sonnenstrahl, Deborah M. Deaf Artists in America: Colonial to Contemporary. DawnSign Press, 2002.

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