Sensory Learning Hub
Deaf and Hearing Impairments
Let's Talk Inclusive Language ...
Consider for a moment, how do you define your identity?
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What's your name?
Are you a student? Or a teacher?
A Brother? Or a Sister?
Are you a massive music fan?
Or, maybe you love to play football.
Perhaps you were born overseas? Or you speak another language at home.
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Either way, your identity is comprised of a multitude of unique character traits, family backgrounds and personal experiences. There is no one thing that defines you.
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Now ... How would you feel if none of these things mattered for your identity?
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Instead, the only way people perceived you would be through the vehicle you drive. Or perhaps, your least favourite feature.
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How would this make you feel? Isolated or Misunderstood? Extremely sad or frustrated?
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How significantly do you believe your confidence and social interactions would change?
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These are all questions that we must remain aware of ...
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Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality for many individuals with a disability, including those experiencing deafness or hearing loss. As an "invisible disability", those who are deaf or hard of hearing often experience physical and verbal discrimination by many in public and private environments (Mousley & Chaudoir, 2018). This may be exhibited through (but is not limited to):
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Waving hands, snapping fingers and physically tapping (or positioning another) to gain their attention.
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Speaking in a loudly exaggerated or over-pronounced manner.
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Growing visibly frustrated or angry when communicating with an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing.
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Refusing to engage or withdrawing communication: "Ugh, never mind."
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Assuming that an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing is not proficient in or struggles with their desired language.
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Assuming that lip-reading is achieved (or preferred) by all individuals with deafness or hearing loss.
What is an Invisible Disability?
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Any long-term impairment, condition or illness that isn't immediately visible in most everyday circumstances.
None of these actions are acceptable, regardless of desired intent.
One easy step that we can take, however, is the consistent and appropriate use of inclusive terminology when addressing and referring to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Let's take a look at 'Aussie Deaf Kids' (2022)'s definitions:
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'Deaf (with a capitalised 'D')': refers to those who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) to communicate, and who identify as members of the signing Deaf community.
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'Culturally Deaf': Typically refers to individuals who are born into, or join the deaf community early in life; with Sign Language being the native language. However, not all individuals who are 'Deaf' refer to themselves in this manner.
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'deaf (with a lower-case 'd')': generally refers to the physical condition of not hearing. The term also describes individuals who are physically deaf, but do not identify as a member of the signing Deaf community.
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Hard of Hearing: refers to those who have acquired a hearing loss in late childhood or early adulthood; or who have a mild or moderate hearing loss.
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A Note on 'Hearing Impaired': Some individuals may comfortably utilise this term when describing themselves or the nature of their hearing loss. [So, it remains important to recognise this term.] However, Culturally Deaf individuals do not utilise this term as it may negatively denote clinical damage or weakness.
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Overall, the most important thing for us to remember is that every person experiencing deafness or hearing loss will have a series of language terms that they are most comfortable with.
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It is always recommended that if you are unsure over what terminology to actively utilise, respectfully inquiring with the conversing individual (and openly adapting to their response!) is the most appropriate course of action.