Why is this a hot topic? Why now?
The issues and discussions surrounding the concept of DeafSpace, at first glance, seem to be new ones. The term is relatively new, and when mentioned to the dominant hearing majority, is unknown. In actuality, the topic of Deaf Space is a long upheld cultural tradition, regardless of the fact that it has not been widely recognized by the majority until recently. DeafSpace is a direct embodiment of Deaf experience. Through a deeper analysis of DeafSpace and its relationship with the Deaf community, we can further development an appreciation for the connections between the senses, how our environment is built to reflect how we live, as well as how our cultural identity mirrors who we are (Bauman, 2014).
More and more articles, videos and publications are being made regarding the issue of DeafSpace and how it impacts the Deaf community as well as the majority of hearing individuals. What most fail to realize is that although creating DeafSpaces that allow for easy communication among Deaf individuals benefits the Deaf community, it also promotes greater accessibility for all.
Gallaudet University is located in Washington, DC and is a university for education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. It was created as a place for the Deaf community to go and receive an education in their language. This institution was build to reflect the Deaf culture, language and experience. Unfortunately, not until recently, the campus did not reflect that. Its buildings and design could not be distinguished from any other university or college.
Dr. MJ Bienvenu, '74 & G-'83, chair of the Department of ASL and Deaf Studies and co-chair of the James Lee Sorenson Language and Communications Center (SLCC) Planning Committee at Gallaudet University, is the head of a three-year, student-centered Deaf Space project (Byrd, 2007). She asked the question " What can be done to make Gallaudet a more visibly DeafSpace?" Some of the responses:
· Stairways that may appear aesthetically attractive, but prove to be a barrier to sign communication.
· Natural lighting, such as in the Jordan Student Academic Center (JSAC), is pleasing, but can be too harsh on sunny days and too dim when the sky is overcast. In these cases, artificial light can bridge the extremes.
· Blind spots in hallways at corners, or a door that is opened suddenly can prove hazardous to two signers engrossed in conversation (Byrd, 2017).
These innovations can all be implemented to better aid communication at Gallaudet, but also outside of the campus walls. The issue of DeafSpace is important and awareness of this topic needs to be spread. As more and more focus is being brought to this issue, this in turn allows for greater visibility and promotion of DeafSpace.
The following video discuses the rising topic of DeafSpace
More and more articles, videos and publications are being made regarding the issue of DeafSpace and how it impacts the Deaf community as well as the majority of hearing individuals. What most fail to realize is that although creating DeafSpaces that allow for easy communication among Deaf individuals benefits the Deaf community, it also promotes greater accessibility for all.
Gallaudet University is located in Washington, DC and is a university for education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. It was created as a place for the Deaf community to go and receive an education in their language. This institution was build to reflect the Deaf culture, language and experience. Unfortunately, not until recently, the campus did not reflect that. Its buildings and design could not be distinguished from any other university or college.
Dr. MJ Bienvenu, '74 & G-'83, chair of the Department of ASL and Deaf Studies and co-chair of the James Lee Sorenson Language and Communications Center (SLCC) Planning Committee at Gallaudet University, is the head of a three-year, student-centered Deaf Space project (Byrd, 2007). She asked the question " What can be done to make Gallaudet a more visibly DeafSpace?" Some of the responses:
· Stairways that may appear aesthetically attractive, but prove to be a barrier to sign communication.
· Natural lighting, such as in the Jordan Student Academic Center (JSAC), is pleasing, but can be too harsh on sunny days and too dim when the sky is overcast. In these cases, artificial light can bridge the extremes.
· Blind spots in hallways at corners, or a door that is opened suddenly can prove hazardous to two signers engrossed in conversation (Byrd, 2017).
These innovations can all be implemented to better aid communication at Gallaudet, but also outside of the campus walls. The issue of DeafSpace is important and awareness of this topic needs to be spread. As more and more focus is being brought to this issue, this in turn allows for greater visibility and promotion of DeafSpace.
The following video discuses the rising topic of DeafSpace
