As the National Deaf Awareness Week celebration concluded, the Department of Education (DepEd) reminded everyone of the importance of continuing to promote awareness and acceptance for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
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Awareness
In the Philippines, National Deaf Awareness Week is celebrated annually during the second week of November, as proclaimed under Presidential Proclamation No. 829 issued in 1991. This week aims to raise awareness about the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and promote their inclusion in society.
Photo courtesy: Freepik
The observance of this event aims to foster an environment where individuals with deaf disabilities can lead productive lives. It seeks to raise awareness across society about the needs of the deaf community while emphasizing that many disabilities can be prevented. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of early detection and timely, appropriate interventions when such disabilities are present.
Tips on fostering inclusivity
In line with this, the DepEd shared some tips on how to foster inclusivity for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community without offending their feelings.
Photo courtesy: DepEd Philippines (FB)
First, educate yourself. Understanding the history, culture, and challenges faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community is a significant step toward truly comprehending and supporting them.
Second, maintain eye contact and facial expressions. When communicating with members of this community, it is important to maintain eye contact and use appropriate facial expressions to effectively convey your emotions and intentions. This is essential for building a strong connection with them.
Third, use clear and simple language. Use simple and clear words when communicating with them, whether spoken or written. Whenever possible, avoid using jargon, slang, or overly informal language.
Fourth, respect communication preferences. It is important to ask members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community about their preferred means of communication. Some may prefer using sign language, while others may be more comfortable with lip reading, writing, or technology-assisted methods.
Fifth and lastly, learn basic FSL. Whenever possible, take the opportunity to learn Filipino Sign Language (FSL). By doing so, you demonstrate support for the community and show genuine interest in understanding their means of communication.
