1. CULTURAL and MEDICAL ASPECTS OF DEAFNESS
deaf vs. Deaf

2. Little d – deaf
Is the Medical or pathological perspective … views deafness as a DISABILITY.

3. The cultural perspective views deafness as a DIFFERENCE!
Big D – Deaf
The cultural perspective views deafness as a DIFFERENCE!
ASHLEY FIOLEK-
Is she disable? Or just Different?
different!! not disabled!!!
First video 3:05, Conan Part 1: 2:50 Conan Part 2: 4:00

4. Little d
Medical or audiological perspective defines “deafness” as a pathological condition which distinguishing ABNORMAL deaf people from NORMAL hearing people!

5. Big D
The cultural perspective defines deafness as merely a difference, a characteristic which distinguishes normal deaf people from normal hearing people. Recognizing that deaf people are linguistic and cultural minority who can do ANYTHING but HEAR!
Miss America 1995
Heather Whitestone

6. deaf Deaf Seeks to CURE Deafness!!!
Medical perspective tries to hide any evidence of deafness.
The cultural perspective openly acknowledges deafness.
Seeks to CURE Deafness!!!
Emphasize on the abilities of a deaf person.

7. Big D Focus on the person’s ability, not their inabilities
2:30

8. With the deaf perspective, full attention is given to the use of hearing aids and other devices that focus on speech.
deaf perspective believe every child should learn to speak!
YouTube - Speech Therapy 22 Months
Only show about 2 minutes **watch volume level**
Side note: Speech therapy works for some that have mild hearing loss – but those with severe or profound hearing losses struggle to learn how to speak.
Many hearing parents have a goal for their child to “sound like a hearing child. This may not be possible depending on the child’s level of hearing loss.

9. Cultural PERSPECTIVE full attention is given to issues of accessing communication through VISUAL means…
INCLUDING ASL
Deaf Superbowl Ad watch?v=8DkrkzfF8Tk&NR =1&safety_mode=true&pers ist_safety_mode=1
Samsung Commercial watch?v=UrvaSqN76h4
1st video : 4:21 – ONLY PLAY up to 1 min., 2nd video: 2:30

10. deaf vs. Deaf Medical perspective Cultural perspective
Believe deaf people can’t…
Decribe sign language as inferior to spoken language
Regard the “normal hearing person” as the best role model
Neither accept nor support a separate “deaf culture.”
Believe Deaf people can…
View sign language as equal to spoken language
Regard successful deaf adults as positive role models for deaf children
Respects, values and supports the language and culture of deaf people.

11. deaf Some don’t believe that deaf should socialize and/or get married
Often accept or tolerate injustice
Some consider them to
be close-minded

12. Deaf
Tend to NOT mouth while signing ; use “true ASL”
Act as Self-Advocate
They fight for their rights and fight against discrimination.
Can sometimes become frustrated with hearing people for their ignorance
Hearing people say things like,
“Why don’t you just lipread?” or
“You have hearing aids, can’t you hear me?

13. What is your perspective?
Is deafness…
audiological or medical condition to be fixed
Pathology – studied as a disease/disability
A handicapped - focusing on what deaf people CAN’T do

14. Or do you see “D”eafness as a difference…
Deaf can do anything but hear! I . King Jordan
“D”eaf is….
culture and
community

16. Review Deaf vs. deaf Which?
Believes a deaf person needs to be fixed or cured.
Cultural model
Uses sign language.
Believes deafness is a problem.
Focuses on speech
Believes deaf people CAN’T
Proud to be deaf, no need to be fixed..

17. Deaf vs. deaf Which? Views deafness as a difference.
Denies or hides deafness
Believes deaf people CAN
Views deafness as a culture
Views deafness as a disability
Medical model
Uses technology like hearing aids and other devices