CULTURE Why is the Deaf Community considered to have a culture?

Define As defined by the American Heritage Dictionary, culture refers to the beliefs, behavior patterns, social organizations, and products of a particular group.

The ties Despite the various races, ethnicities, and backgrounds this group of people have two very important things that tie them together: LANGUAGE and HEARING LOSS

Beliefs Proud to be who they are (they are not impaired or broken) All people should have equal access -FIGHT FOR things such as: vibration on phones, interpreters for Dr. appointments, at school, during meetings, etc., closed captioning on tv, movies, on the internet

Behavior Patterns Visually orientated Attention getting techniques Long goodbyes Explain why they are late Exchange of personal information Hugging is common Focus on good eye contact

Social Organizations Deaf events to celebrate holidays and to just get together Deaf clubs Deaf sports teams

Products ASL Literature (ABC and Word Poetry) Deaf Art History of oppression and changes for the better Successful Deaf role models Technology enhancements