‘Deafness is not a disability — it’s just a difference’: Reflecting on Deaf Awareness Month | The Cavalier Daily
When students walk into an American Sign Language class at the University, they do not hear voices. Instead, they gather around in a semi-circle, looking each other in the eye, their hands animated in conversation. This classroom environment mirrors the broader Deaf community — one rooted in connection and shared understanding — and fosters a sense of belonging among University students regardless of hearing ability.
This kind of atmosphere took on special significance this past September during Deaf Awareness Month, a time to celebrate Deaf culture and recognize those who have paved the way for the Deaf community. Throughout this month and beyond, University students and faculty alike have worked to strengthen understanding about deafness and foster inclusion of Deaf individuals, building bridges that transcend sound.
As a student in the ASL program and President of DEAFS, a CIO that elevates Deaf culture, fourth-year College student and hearing individual Lydia Smith emphasized the importance of challenging and correcting common misconceptions about deafness.
ASL vs. English: What’s the REAL difference? | YouTube – The Sign Polyglot
Is American Sign Language really its own language, or just “English with hands”? This video breaks down the 14 biggest differences between ASL and English so you can clearly see why ASL is a complete, stand-alone language with its own grammar, structure, and culture. You’ll learn about visual vs. auditory communication, iconicity, directional verbs, pronouns, time markers, classifiers, role shifts, facial expressions, number systems, and more. Each concept is explained with examples, plus insights into whether ASL students usually find it easy or hard to learn. If you’re starting your ASL journey—or still unsure how different ASL really is from English—this video will give you clarity, motivation, and practical guidance for learning American Sign Language.
Deaf U | Assigning Names in ASL | Official Clip | YouTube – Netflix
From episode 102 (I Have So Many Questions), students at Gallaudet discuss how names are created in ASL for each other and popular public figures like the President of the United States.
ASL Interpreting 101 for Hearing People | Andrew Tolman & Lauren Tolo | YouTube – TEDxBend
“I have no idea what you were saying up there, but it looked so beautiful!!” Hearing American Sign Language Interpreters Andrew Tolman and Lauren Tolo briefly explain the history, process, and role of ASL Interpreters, hoping to inspire hearing people to do what they can daily to bridge the gap between Deaf and Hearing parties. Community building starts with educating the general population about how hearing privilege can be used to leverage change and promote full accessibility and inclusion in all spaces. Andrew Tolman is a 29-year-old musician and ASL Interpreter currently living in Portland, OR on historically Clackamas Chinook and Molalla land. Inspired by their time working for the historic Philip J. Wolfe Portland City Council campaign, OCCUPY ICE PDX, Don’t Shoot Portland, and the Central American Refugee Caravan (among many others) as a Sign Language Interpreter, Andrew found himself joining the unbroken chain of resistance thousands of years old and invigorated by a new mission. Currently, Andrew finds himself working closely with both Hearing and Deaf activists and fighters to bring accessibility to the front lines. Through the founding of their group ‘FingersCrossedInterpreting.com’, Andrew hopes to continue to build bridges by making it easy for community-based Hearing activists to reach into Deaf and Hard of Hearing activist spaces and make meaningful connection, empowering both communities with resources and information to strengthen the fight for equality. The fact is that accessibility benefits everyone because everyone has a story to share. Andrew hopes to continue serving his community in solidarity for as long as possible and to inspire other interpreters and communities to proudly do the same.
Deaf Centered Interpreting – Introduction ｜ YouTube
Deaf Centered Interpreting, presented by Thomas K. Holcomb, for Deaf people and interpreters.
Deaf Artist, Pratigya, Makes Incredible Art Out Of Sign Language!! | YouTube – Seek the World
Pratigya Shakya is a Deaf Nepalese artist who creates stunning artwork using inspiration from his deafness experience and sign language! His creativity is amazing!!!
Susan B. Anthony Museum will offer a new tour experience for DHOH visitors | YouTube – WXXINews
Using ASL and an interpreter, Sign-Speak Chief Product Officer Niko Kelly talks about the development of the platform.