Top Ten: What You Need to Know About Me Being Deaf
Author: Leah Riddell
I know what I want to say, but are you ready to hear it? I’ve been deaf for all my life, but I’ve always found a way to make myself understood to those who couldn’t speak my language.
It hasn’t been easy to navigate my way through this hearing world, but I’ve experienced so much! To the untrained eye, I’ve transformed the art of making educated guesses to look like a master class of Lip Reading. I dabbled in the Dark Arts of hearing aids, but I have since abandoned that technology and fully embraced the beauty of American Sign Language (ASL).
Are you ready to meet me halfway and dazzle me with some sign-language pizazz?
Here are my top 10 tips that you should know when engaging with me as a deaf person.
American Sign Language (ASL) is not, as a friend once foolishly said, English with signs. It is a nuanced and expressive language with own rules and rhythms.
Mastering just a few key signs can jazz up our conversations in big and meaningful ways!
When we are engaged in conversation, look me directly in the eyes. This is my jam! You’re giving me all your attention and you’re shouting “Hey Leah! I’m all in!”
This is especially true when there's an ASL interpreter present. If you’re speaking to me, look at me rather than looking at the interpreter (see tip #3). My interpreter is my communication sidekick and not the voice of yours truly!
If you want to get my attention, just give me a gentle tap on the shoulder, a friendly wave, or flick the lights. There’s no need smack me like you're in a speed-tapping competition - that's reserved only for emergencies!
If you spot me in the mall and I seem to be signing to myself, be assured that I'm killing it as a tech maestro! I’ll be juggling between video calls and the Interpreter Relay Service app. This is not the time to interrupt me: I’m in the zone!
Chatty dinner table syndrome is no myth! Make sure I get a spot in the conversation circle. Keep the seating round and let one person speak at a time.
Don't play mind reader with my abilities. When in doubt, just shoot me a message and respect my communication style.
Having closed captions allows me and others in the Deaf community to enjoy movies, videos, and TV shows. Why not join the Caption Crew and push for more open captions at the movies? Let's make entertainment inclusive and fun for everyone!
Being deaf is not a flaw, nor is it something that should generate pity. For me, it’s a badge of honour!
Remember that I have a unique viewpoint on the world, and if you take the time to understand me, everyone wins.
A brief note about the author
Leah Riddell, a Deaf entrepreneur fluent in two languages (English & American Sign Language) spearheads SignAble Vi5ion Inc., where she transforms businesses with inclusive communication strategies.
Offering personalized consultation, immersive training, and expert sign language instruction, she empowers organizations to cultivate genuine connections with their employees and clients. Leah's resolute dedication to "Access for All, Everyone Wins" propels her mission to champion understanding and inclusivity in every interaction.
This article was reviewed and edited by John David Hickey.