The Tension Between Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Communities: A Fight for Understanding and Recognition

Working with various hearing loss communities in colleges over the years, I have observed a recurring theme: confidence. The ability to communicate effectively and navigate societal challenges is shaped by different factors over a person's lifetime, leading to a natural wariness in initial encounters. This tension often stems from insecurity, whether individual or group-based. My experience in conflict resolution has shown me that fostering confidence is key to addressing these challenges.

Do I feel a tension between the "fully Deaf" communities and hard-of-hearing individuals? Yes, I know there is tension, primarily due to the artificially created divisions by oralists—individuals who promote the use of spoken language and oral communication within the Deaf community. These divisions were intended to advance specific goals and weaken the Deaf community through a divide-and-conquer strategy.

Understanding the Divisions

Your use of the term "fully Deaf" is noteworthy, as it exemplifies the artificial divisions created by oralists. There are no "fully Deaf" people or communities. The culturally Deaf community is inclusive of all Deaf individuals, regardless of their level of hearing ability. Being Deaf is a spectrum; some may hear very little, while others may hear quite a bit. However, as long as an individual does not hear perfectly or requires the use of hearing aids, interpreters, or other assistive devices to access oral communication, they are considered part of the Deaf community. Being "Hearing" is a different spectrum and not related to any labeled group.

The Historical Context

Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have historically coexisted relatively harmoniously, sharing common signed languages. However, a pivotal moment marked by the actions of a pseudo-scientist, Alexander Graham Bell, changed this dynamic. Bell and his followers sought to transform the Deaf into Hearing people or, failing that, to eliminate them altogether. They implemented bans on signed language, aimed to close all Deaf schools, and introduced hearing aids and other devices to force Deaf individuals to adapt to hearing culture.

Creating a New Language of Exclusion

To further this transformation, new terminology was created, labeling Deaf people as "hard of hearing" or "hearing impaired." This terminology was used to praise those who managed to hear and speak orally, while denigrating those who couldn't comply. This segregation led to the forcible separation of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, with many suffering in schools that did not recognize their unique needs.

The efforts of Bell and his followers nearly succeeded in their mission. Yet, despite the considerable damage inflicted by these classifications, a few brave Deaf individuals have fought back against oralist advances, preserving the Deaf culture to this day. Nonetheless, hard-of-hearing individuals continue to be viewed as a separate and superior group, failing to recognize their true equality within Hearing society.

Conclusion: A Call for Unity

The divisions between Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are rooted in artificial constructs created to further the agendas of oralists. It is crucial to recognize and embrace the Deaf community as a whole, supporting Deaf cultures and values. Fostering understanding and unity between all hearing-loss communities is essential for a more inclusive society. By addressing these tensions through mutual respect and recognition, we can break down these artificial barriers and foster a more harmonious coexistence.