Deaf perspective vs. Hearing Perspective
deaf
Within the Deaf community, the concept of promoting DeafSpace is gaining more and more awareness. Members of the Deaf community are standing up and starting initiatives that transform the space they inhabit into spaces that are tailored to their own specific way of being. Committees, groups and boards are being established that work to design buildings, homes, schools, workplaces and much more that work to create places that facilitate Deaf communication and barrier free-access.
Examples
1. Judy Ercolino is a member of the Deaf faculty at George Brown college (St. James campus). She is also a member of the Future Workscape Committee at the college.
" It would be great to have a building with open concept, lots of glass including elevators, and good quality of light to prevent barriers such as people being able to see one another to communicate. " - Judy Ercolino
2. When Deaf people come together, they typically move any chairs or tables in a circle. This setup is ideal for optimizing access to sight lines, and allowing for easy communication. Secondly, any measures to limit eye strain or discomfort are taken. This includes adjusting windows or shades as well as rearranging seating that will allow for easy visual communication.
It is very common for new Deaf homeowners to cut holes in walls connecting rooms, or even install mirrors, glass walls or extra lighting throughout their homes to ensure effortless communication.
The following video portrays the point of view a Deaf architect has on improvements that can be made to current hallway designs.
Examples
1. Judy Ercolino is a member of the Deaf faculty at George Brown college (St. James campus). She is also a member of the Future Workscape Committee at the college.
" It would be great to have a building with open concept, lots of glass including elevators, and good quality of light to prevent barriers such as people being able to see one another to communicate. " - Judy Ercolino
2. When Deaf people come together, they typically move any chairs or tables in a circle. This setup is ideal for optimizing access to sight lines, and allowing for easy communication. Secondly, any measures to limit eye strain or discomfort are taken. This includes adjusting windows or shades as well as rearranging seating that will allow for easy visual communication.
It is very common for new Deaf homeowners to cut holes in walls connecting rooms, or even install mirrors, glass walls or extra lighting throughout their homes to ensure effortless communication.
The following video portrays the point of view a Deaf architect has on improvements that can be made to current hallway designs.
HEARING
It is unfortunate to note that when a member of the majority hearing population is asked their opinion regarding the Deaf community and its issues, they are completely oblivious. They are unaware of the many barriers and hardships that are encountered on a daily basis by all Deaf individuals.
I constantly encounter people who once informed of my area of study, are completely shocked. They are also intrigued, and commonly reply by saying, "Wow! Good for you!". If I mention the issue of DeafSpace, the never know what I am talking about. Once I explain the issue, they begin to agree that many steps can be taken to promote accessibility for all as well as DeafSpace.
The root of the problem, in relation to the hearing majority, is a lack of awareness surrounding issues in the Deaf commnity. Once these topics are brought to light, the general perspective can be positively changed.
It is unfortunate to note that when a member of the majority hearing population is asked their opinion regarding the Deaf community and its issues, they are completely oblivious. They are unaware of the many barriers and hardships that are encountered on a daily basis by all Deaf individuals.
I constantly encounter people who once informed of my area of study, are completely shocked. They are also intrigued, and commonly reply by saying, "Wow! Good for you!". If I mention the issue of DeafSpace, the never know what I am talking about. Once I explain the issue, they begin to agree that many steps can be taken to promote accessibility for all as well as DeafSpace.
The root of the problem, in relation to the hearing majority, is a lack of awareness surrounding issues in the Deaf commnity. Once these topics are brought to light, the general perspective can be positively changed.
