We are living in a time where more and more people are making video calls. But how do you video call someone who is deaf/hard of hearing? Is that even possible? There are so many tools and platforms out there you can use for video calls. But for all their fancy gadgets and quirky features, […]
lifestyle
‘Why I started #WhereIsTheInterpreter’ – an interview with Lynn-Stewart Taylor
In an interview with Deaf consultant and BSL user Lynn-Stewart Taylor, I had the opportunity to talk to her about the campaign #WhereIsTheInterpreter and why she felt the need to start it.
I’ve talked about it in the previous episode but I felt it was important to learn straight from the source on why this is necessary and to understand better about the benefits of this campaign BSL users.
Learn more about why Lynn started #WhereIsTheInterpreter here
Why equal access to content is critical during national & global emergencies
At a time of recording, there is a global pandemic with coronavirus affecting the entire world. But with so much important to follow, it’s so important to make sure that there is equal access to those content for those who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing.
At this moment in time, it’s more important than ever to make sure there is equal access to those content. It will not just protect those who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing, but also those around them too, as I explain in this podcast.
Funny deaf jokes that (might) make you laugh
Sometimes, we should just laugh and make fun of ourselves. That’s why I thought of sharing a few deaf jokes that I spotted online that made me laugh.
So I share a few short, sweet and innocent jokes relating to deafness, sign language and hearing aids. If you know any more, feel free to share them with me.
How can I force myself to go deaf permanently?
Rather than asking how people go deaf in general (genetic, accident, illness, etc.), a popular question is “how can I become deaf”…like literally and deliberately force it upon yourself.
It’s an unusual question but it’s not something that I encourage.
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing “wrong” with being deaf. But people have to realise and understand that it’s not a novelty or “a bit of fun”. It comes with barriers and challenges.
But rather than quickly judge those who asks this question, perhaps there is more to the story.
How “Inspiration Porn” can affect deaf people?
If you are not familiar with “inspiration porn”, you are bound to have come across them in your life. But they can be detrimental to d/Deaf and hard of hearing people.
Originally coined by Stella Young at a TEDx talk, “inspiration porn” has become a very common used when disabled people are being used as a source of inspiration for doing everyday tasks like getting of the bed and going on public transport.
And for d/Deaf people, we are not exempt from that either, and below will explain why.
Learn about “inspiration porn” and the problems they can cause
How I meditate as a deaf/hard of hearing person?
Some people might assume that it’s impossible for d/Deaf and hard of hearing people to meditate (perhaps more accurately, guided meditation).
Even though there are obvious challenges when it comes to using guided meditation (such as whether it’s possible or not to hear or understand what the audio voice is saying), I have managed to find a system that suits me.
My first captioned movie experience as a deaf/hard of hearing cinema customer
After several years hiatus, I have gone back to the cinema to watch the new Star Wars movie, which also happens to be the first time ever I watched a movie with captions.
This post is not a review of the movie nor will there be any spoilers. It’s just a personal story of how it went for me and what could be done to make the cinema experience even more accessible for more people.
Click here to learn more about my first captioned cinema experience here
Mainstream school vs deaf school: what’s the difference and the respective pros & cons?
A common difficulty for many parents or students to make is to decide which school to apply and attend.
But it’s a completely unique and different set of challenges for d/Deaf or hard of hearing students. It’s not about deciding which school to go to, but rather whether to go to a mainstream or deaf school.
But to help you go in the right direction, it’s crucial to understand the difference between mainstream school and deaf schools, whilst also understanding the pros and cons of both types of schools.
Click here to learn more about the differences between mainstream and deaf school