Audism

Today 3rd April 2011 at LEED Pune we discussed topics related to Racism, Casteism, Sexism and Audism.

I would thank Yuva Association of the Deaf Mumbai [YAD] as I got a fair idea of this topic during one of my sessions with members of YAD.

Most of us would know what "Racism, Casteism, Sexism and Audism mean, but these are new concepts for the Deaf in Pune. With various examples to understand the concept we had a long discussion.

Audism- I am not too sure if many even in the hearing world are aware of this.

Using Sign Language is a natural means of communication for the Deaf. As a kid a deaf child is not taught to sign but he on his own creates his own signs and expresses his needs to his mother and his family.

Once in school he is stopped from using his hands to convey his thoughts, or express his views. He is forced to speak, which is not very good with. This ban on using sign language to communicate and express himself is Audism.

We believe in Freedom of Expression, freedom of speech and all. But we sometimes very strongly and at times very cruelly restrict the Deaf from expressing themselves.

I have heard stories and witnessed harsh treatment towards the Deaf restricting them to use sign language. They are beaten on their hands, at times their hands are tied behind their backs, they are punished as well. This does not remain in the schools alone but extends to the home as well. It is unfortunate that the deaf have had these experiences for many years, and continue to do so.

Many believe that if a Deaf child is encouraged to use sign language he will forget to speak. This is very untrue. Complete education of any child is not limited to the vocabulary he picks up, but is measured from what he understands from the environment, his peers and his school life. Unfortumately for the Deaf, their education is measured by the vocabulary he manages to speak.
It is irrelevant if the words he reproduces are correct, audible, pronounced correctly. What is considered that he has tried to say a word.

A deaf child loses out on many years of language development and lands up not knowing how to read and write basic sentences in any language.

Wish things would change.

Atsy