Understanding Audism: 5 Common Pitfalls to Recognize and Sidestep

Discover ways to foster an inclusive environment for the d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing community by communicating with respect and accessibility.

While individuals who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing are gaining more visibility in mainstream culture than previously, significant gaps persist in the hearing world's comprehension of what it means to be d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Regrettably, many within the d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing community consistently face various forms of prejudice in their daily routines. Whether this manifests as communicational prejudice (where accessible communication methods are not provided), preconceived notions about the capabilities of d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, or exclusion from social and professional settings, Audism remains a tangible issue.

Audism, at its core, signifies discrimination or prejudice directed towards individuals who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Below are five common manifestations of Audism to be mindful of, enabling you to foster a more welcoming and accessible atmosphere for the d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

1. Failing to Invest in Communication Efforts

Even if you're encountering a d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing individual for the first time and feel unsure about how to interact, don't be alarmed! Communication can take many forms, and experiences of being d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing vary widely, so avoid making assumptions. Some individuals might perceive your voice, others may utilize hearing aids or cochlear implants, allowing them to detect some sounds. Some are profoundly deaf. Moreover, everyone employs distinct communication strategies! Certain d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals lip-read – though this is a challenging skill! Others depend on sign language and might have an interpreter, or you might need to use text messages or write things down. Each person is unique, but always ensure you are positioned so they can see your face and expressions, and exercise patience throughout the communication exchange! If uncertainty arises, simply inquire!

2. Presuming Limitations Based on Hearing Status

People who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing often face bewildering inquiries – for instance, "Hold on, you're able to drive?" Refrain from assuming an individual is incapable of a task merely due to their d/Deafness or hard-of-hearing status. Individuals who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing can achieve anything! They are stunt performers, musicians, creators, legal professionals, advocates, athletes, innovators, and occupy every other conceivable role.

3. Viewing Deafness as a Misfortune

"You're deaf? Oh, I'm terribly sorry!" There's no need for apologies! Deafness is not a sickness or an ailment. Indeed, a significant number of d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals – many identifying with the capital 'D' Deaf community – take pride in their d/Deafness. While this sentiment may not be universal, being deaf is not inherently negative, so resist the urge to offer condolences.

4. Exhibiting Condescending Attitudes

As previously stated, d/Deaf individuals are capable of anything. Remarks such as, "You [perform an action] remarkably well for someone who is deaf," can be deeply offensive. A very frequent instance is remarking on how proficiently someone speaks. Some d/Deaf individuals use spoken language, while others do not. This subject can also be a delicate one for many d/Deaf people who may have been instructed they must speak in a particular manner – sometimes even by medical practitioners – or who have faced ridicule for not speaking "correctly."

5. Discrimination in Professional Settings

It should be self-evident, yet discrimination in the workplace occurs frequently. Individuals who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing deserve equitable opportunities in employment. Never deny someone a specific role or assignment because they are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Engage in a conversation with them regarding any accessibility requirements they might have – and proceed from that point. Some employers incorrectly believe that communicating with someone who is d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing is excessively burdensome, but this is far from the truth! Your organization will greatly benefit from incorporating individuals with varied experiences, diverse backgrounds, and different communication preferences. Providing tools that facilitate understanding, like those that can generate an AI summary of meeting discussions, can also bridge communication gaps effectively.

How Can You Champion the d/Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community?

Initiating support begins with heightened awareness! Dedicate time to explore the lived experiences of d/Deafness and its significance to different individuals. There are numerous excellent d/Deaf content creators to follow on social media, such as YouTuber Rikki Poynter. Rikki offers fantastic resources on d/Deaf awareness and personal experiences.

And, naturally – begin making your own content more accessible. Whether it's social media updates, video productions, podcasts, virtual meetings, online events, or educational sessions, tools can greatly assist. For instance, DeepVo.ai offers powerful solutions like high-accuracy speech-to-text conversion in over 100 languages, which is invaluable for creating transcripts. This feature ensures that audio content is available in a readable format, promoting inclusivity. Furthermore, its AI-powered summarization can quickly distill key information from meetings or lectures, and intelligent mind maps can present complex information visually, making content more digestible for everyone. Exploring platforms like DeepVo.ai, which offers these features often with free access and end-to-end encryption for security, can be a significant step towards creating truly inclusive digital experiences. Ask us how!

Tags: Audism, d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing, Accessibility