Deconstructing with Della: Sign me up
September 18, 2017 |
| FEMA provides an update on Hurricane Harvey at news conference with interpreter |
As I was watching the FEMA news conferences about Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, I was memorized by the interpreters doing sign language for the speakers.
My interest in signing is growing for a number of reasons. My mom's hearing is on the decline and we are coming across more people through our work who are hard of hearing. We are also doing some strategic planning session for the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WIDHH). As our population ages we will undoubtedly need to increase our skills in this area.
Check out this recent Stats Canada chart:
I encourage you to watch the FEMA news coverage with your sound off to see how it feels to get your news this way. Then watch the sign language with the sound on so you can see how certain words are interpreted. Fascinating. I have read there are over 100 different sign languages.
If we, as individuals or through our organizations want to be inclusive we need to consider hearing challenges and adjust our approach to accommodate everyone. We are continually learning how to do this in meetings. Sometimes people give us a table microphone or lapel mic that goes directly to their hearing devices.
To deconstruct, the WIDHH's vision is a compassionate and inclusive British Columbia where all Canadians - Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing - can communicate freely with each other and have equal access to their communicators. Let's everyone do our part to make that a reality.
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