'What It's Like To Be Deaf ?'

Video: 'What It's Like To Be Deaf' in American Sign Language version.



This is Katie describing what it's like to be Deaf. For those who cannot understand her sign language, this is what she is saying...



'What It's Like To Be Deaf ?'



People have asked me. I have no problem answering or explaining how I lost my hearing. But to explain what it's like to be Deaf? It's very Simple: I can't hear. No, wait... it is much more than that. It is similar to a goldfish in a bowl, always observing things going on. People talking all the... times. It is like a man on his own island among foreigners.



Isolation is no stranger to me. Relatives and friends say hi and bye, but I sit among them for 5 hours trying to be involved. Natural curiosity perks up upon seeing great laughter, crying, anger.



Inquiring only to meet with a "Never mind", "Nothing" or "Oh, it's not important". Seeing them laugh and look at me makes me think they are making fun of my disability when they weren't.

Video by KatieFigurestar98



Getting a summarized statement of the whole day. I'm supposed to smile to show happiness. Little do they know how truly miserable I am trying to understand. People are in control of language usage, I am at loss and really uncomfortable there. Always feeling like an outsider among the hearing people, Even though it was not their intention. They are always assuming that I am part of them by my physical presence, but not understanding the importance of communication. I must make the choices constantly, no wonder why I choose Deaf friends? I get such great pleasure at the Deaf events, before I even realize it, it is already the end of the day. Our language is common, we understand each other clearly.



Being at loss of control of the environment which is communication we rely on such technology such as smartphones to communicate with hearing people, and yet some people panic and retreat to avoid Deaf people like the plague.



But again we Deaf people are still human beings With dreams, desires, and goals sometimes we just feel the need to Belong, just like everyone else. That's how I am Deaf.



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Related: For Those Who Don't Understand What It's Like To Be Deaf