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My (deaf) perspectives on face masks & how you can help to reduce barriers

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Since face masks is currently part of the everyday norm and it’s common to see it in our daily routines now, this has raised the issue of how it can make it difficult for deaf people to lip read and to communicate.

Even there are so many different types of face masks out there, I have yet to see those wearing the see-through clear face masks where you can see the other person’s lips. This makes it easier to lip read, see their emotions and facial expressions, and generally make it easier to communicate.

And this applies, not just to deaf people, but to everyone too.

Learn about the issues with face masks for deaf people here

How to organise and run an awesome deaf accessible virtual event?

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Even though video calls and events have been around for many years, the pandemic has forced many organisers to consider making their events, which are normally offline and in-person, as a virtual event instead.

Conferences, meetings, lectures, workshops, performances…they are all affected.

But deaf attendees are often forgotten about or ignored, so this post will look at how to make virtual events deaf accessible.

Learn how to organise and run deaf accessible virtual events here

My frustration with non-deaf accessible virtual events

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Virtual events like group meetings, webinars and online conferences have been around for a long time. But now that they are becoming even more popular (thanks to the pandemic), it made me realise how frustrating it is that they are not deaf accessible.

If you are an event organiser or you know someone who is one, and you’ve been thinking or running online events, you might not be aware how you are excluding attendees who are deaf from taking part but would like to take part.

Learn more about my frustration with virtual events here

Understanding ‘Deaf Gain’ and its concept on how being deaf is a positive feature

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What if individuals and society looks at the concept of being deaf as a positive thing? What if it can actually be a valuable contribution to the world? In essence, this is what ‘Deaf Gain’ is all about.

The common perception of being deaf and the topic of deafness overall is that it is seen as something negative, something lacking, something void.

But by reframing that into ‘Deaf Gain’, it is possible for everyone to look at it in a more positive light, and it’s something the Deaf community proudly talks about…that being deaf is actually positive.

Learn more about what is ‘Deaf Gain’ here

The power of non-verbal communication & how deaf people depends on it

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Since most of our communication is estimated to be non-verbal communication (body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, etc.).

As someone who is deaf, I also depend on those clues and use it as part of the jigsaw when trying to understand what that person is saying.

But anyone can benefit from learning and being aware of the non-verbal communications that exist as it will make you a better overall communicator when you are conversing with anyone, not just those who are deaf.

Learn more about non-verbal communications here

My personal viewpoint on the definition of deaf*

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I’ve been having such a hard time on working out the definition of “deaf” because of its complexity and the number of sub-categories or labels it has under it.
One of the biggest reason for my confusion is because of how it can (and has) caused rifts, segregation and even abuse within the communities, which is not something that I would ever encourage. So I wanted to share my personal thoughts on the definition of “deaf”.

Learn about my definition of “deaf” here

Hearing privilege: What is it and why it’s important to acknowledge them?

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What is hearing privilege, why it’s important for all hearing people to be aware of it and what are some of the examples that exists today?

The word ‘privilege’ has become somewhat of an uncomfortable word lately. It seems to have a stigma that you have an easy life if you have privileges or it’s fiercely denied that it gives you an advantage over others.

But parts of having privileges is about having a head start in your life (be it personal, career, business, etc.) over others who are in marginalised groups. There’s no shame in that, but it’s important to acknowledge that, appreciate what you have, be grateful for it and then understand how you can help others.

Learn more about hearing privilege here

My reaction to BBC’s ‘Casualty’ deaf-centred and deaf-led episode

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I have just finished watching an episode Casualty, a popular hospital soap drama based in the UK, where it is entirely focused on a deaf character. It also has a deep deaf representation behind-the-scenes to ensure accuracy to portrayed.

The character this episode is based is a deaf nurse called Jade, who is keen to confront her past by meeting her mother for first time.

View my reactions to this episode of ‘Casualty’

Listening fatigue: why I’m tired of listening (at least, right now)?

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I’ve talked about concentration fatigue and ‘Zoom fatigue’ in the past. But the topic of ‘listening fatigue’ is somewhat similar to it. If you are not familiar with it, at the time of recording, I have been going through a form of listening fatigue where I’m tired of listening.

Just to clarify, I don’t mean I am tired of listening to people talking to me because of what they are saying. It’s more a long the line of I’m tired of the physical action of listening.

Hence why ‘listening fatigue’ (aka ‘hearing fatigue’) is a term that is often used by some d/Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Learn about how listening fatigue can get tiring