I've spent years coming to terms with losing part of my hearing. I lose a little more hearing every year. This year I'm focusing on self-acceptance, and as a result, I have begun learning about the d/Deaf community. It's time to educate myself. And what I discovered is National Deaf Awareness Month is September. It hits me right away that I had no idea until now that we even have a National Deaf Awareness Month in the U.S. My hearing privilege immediately hit me.
I have watched several videos on YouTube where the d/Deaf content creators share their stories. I didn't lose any of my hearing until grad school, so I couldn't have imagined what it's like for d/Deaf P-12 students who have been mainstreamed. I'm outraged at the teachers who have refused to give students accommodations. I'm a professor, and it's never even occurred to me to deny any student an accommodation--regardless of the type or the reason why. What the hell? I can't wrap my brain around people being so insensitive about something so basic.
I know I shouldn't be surprised. My S.O.'s father has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair. My S.O. has told me story after story about the discrimination he has faced. In the U.S., we treat people like shit if they're even just a little bit different than the dominant, mainstream culture.
But still, I find myself outraged, anyway. And isn't that the healthier response?
To all my fellow teachers and professors out there: Hey, don't be an asshole. If your student needs an interpreter and/or needs to see your notes, then say okay.
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