'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.



Please support our cause and go to http://www.change.org/petitions/oppose-hb-1367 and sign our petition.



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

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

Video: For those who don't understand what it's like to be Deaf in American Sign Language.



For people who don't understand ASL here is a written translation:



Hello my name is Leeza.

Hello my name is Joshua.



Leeza: Joshua and I are from California School for the Deaf in Fremont.



Joshua: We are here to talk about your proposal HB1367 - that proposal talks about moving Outreach out from Indiana School for the Deaf and ISD has to pay for it.



Leeza: I'll share one quotation, "History does not repeat itself", Foraker Act in 1900...



Joshua: Long time ago in 1900 Puerto Rico became a territory of America. The president of United States got to pick their president. How is that become a problem? Puerto Ricans didn't get a president that understood their environment, culture, and rights.



How we are having the same problem with the board that Indiana government choose (All the people in ISD board is not the people we suggested.) - they made the decision that will hurt Indiana School for the Deaf. We, Deaf people, feels like you are not respecting our rights as a Deaf citizen of United States.

Video by Aromauhsoj



Leeza: Now look at ISD's Board, they are proposing to pull Outreach out from Indiana School for the Deaf and put it to someplace else and forcing ISD to pay for it. Outreach is very important for us. It's the place where parents with Deaf children will learn about children's choices - cochlear implant(s), ASL, oral methods, and many more choices. Of course ISD want to play the big part in supporting with their children's future.



We also want to show them how ASL is our big success for Deaf people. Again, we Deaf citizens feels like we don't have our right of speech, based on my data: about 400 people send letters explaining why this should be not happening. While another 30 letter supports this proposal. Now, we want you to think about your decision. We, Deaf citizens of United States, think the right decision will be keeping the outreach in ISD.



Please support our cause and go to http://www.change.org/petitions/oppose-hb-1367 and sign our petition.

Please OPPOSE Indiana HB 1367

Video: Please OPPOSE Indiana HB 1367 in captioned.



INDIANAPOLIS - The Deaf community of Indiana ask us to help them! We need your support! SAY NO to HB 1367. Support the Indiana School for the Deaf Coalition. Oppose HB 1367.

Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/petitions/oppose-hb-1367

Please see 32-minutes film with subtitles which related and comparing with HB 1367 at: “I Sign and I Live” by Aidan Mack. The film about an Audism, Cochlear Implants and Suppression of ASL... After watch the film to make you reconsidering... Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/petitions/oppose-hb-1367 Please share this blogpost. OPPOSE HB 1367! Thanks everyone for not support HB 1367.

Indiana HB 1367

Video: Indiana HB 1367... #LiesAGBellToldMyParents... Many Deaf Survivors of the Alexander Graham Bell Association. We will never forget.



Please Not Support Indiana HB 1367. That's conflict of interest since State House Rep Noe is on the Board of ISD (Indiana School for the Deaf) did wrote her own House Bill called "Indiana HB 13167" without checking and talking with Deaf Indiana community and ISD Alumnians. Shame on State Rep Cindy Noe!

Video by 1irisheye



Check this out, see who wrote on HB 1367: http://e-lobbyist.com/gaits/IN/HB1367



Oppose Indiana HB 1367 - Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/petitions/oppose-hb-1367

Deaf People Are Cheated By Oralism

Video: Deaf people are cheated by oralism in captioned.



Support bi-lingual education for Deaf children. Stop Indiana HB 1367.



Please share this video clip from the 1994 PBS documentary 'For A Deaf Son'.

Video by txbrown5



This documentary is no longer available to view or purchase anywhere. I wish it would become available to view publicly. So many good things in this film. Jack Gannon's words are inspiring, touching and timeless.