While there was a time when deaf individuals were ignored and deliberately prevented from sharing the same privileges as their hearing counterparts because being deaf and hard of hearing was perceived as an abominable thing, today, there are several acts that ensure that deaf individuals enjoy the same rights as hearing individuals.
Hearing loss should not be a reason for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals to suffer any act of injustice. This article focuses on some human rights and protections that are afforded to deaf individuals to live better lives in society.
Some Rights and Protection Afforded to Deaf Individuals
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Right to the Use of Sign Language
Every deaf individual is allowed a safe space to use whatever means of communication that they choose. Whether sign language or lip reading, deaf people should not be hindered from expressing themselves. Although there was a time when ASL was banned, ASL is currently acceptable and popular.
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD) views sign language as the element that makes it possible for deaf individuals to experience equality as their hearing counterparts. Article 2, 21. b, 21. e, 24.3b, and 23.3 of CPRD push for the widespread use of sign language as well as the promotion of information that supports deaf individuals.
Access to Bilingual Learning
Every deaf person does not only have the right to sign language, but they also have the right to learn and use the written language(s) that is available where they reside. Deaf individuals should not be deprived of the opportunities created in this regard. These CPRD articles seek to promote this right.
Right to Education
All deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals have the same right to education at all levels as the hearing majority. Therefore no deaf individual is to be hindered from schooling (going to high school and tertiary education), as long as the deaf individual is willing. CPRD Article 24.1 and 24.4 requires inclusive education as well as having teachers who are equipped in sign language to teach deaf students.
Right to Jobs/Employment
As long as deaf individuals have a steady means of communication and can work in the physical and mental capacity that the job they are applying for requires, they should be allowed to work. No deaf individual is to be discriminated against in the labor force simply because of their hearing loss.
Right to Law and Justice
The Miranda warning with the assistance of an interpreter must be read to deaf people before they are arrested. Also, deaf individuals have the right to other services provided to every other person by law enforcement. Their offense and privileges should be communicated to them as clearly as they can understand before any action is taken against them. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) gives the provisions under which deaf individuals should be treated by law enforcement agencies.
Access to Housing
Under the Fair Housing Act (FDA), the deaf and hard of hearing have equal rights to housing facilities and should also be provided with tools to enhance their stay in such places whether it be a hearing dog, a sign language interpreter, or room alarms as the case may be. This link gives extensive details on the provisions to be made by landlords under the Fair Housing Act.
Right to Modern Communications
In 2010, the Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA), was made law to create accessibility to modern communications by people who have one disability or the other. In line with CVAA is the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act that mandates all telephones (digital wireless inclusive) to be hearing aid compatible with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rating which shows that a rating of four means that the phone can be used, rating of five means it has normal hearing but a rating of six implies maximum performance with a hearing aid.
Deaf People’s Travel Rights
The Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA) affords deaf individuals a lot of privileges. With the ACAA, deaf individuals have a right to timely information from the air carriers’ personnel but first, a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual must notify the agency of their hearing loss.
Also, a deaf individual is allowed to be accompanied by a service animal as long as the animal can be made to sit with the passenger without obstructing the flow of traffic and the emergency exit.
Say No to Audism and Other Forms of Discrimination Against the Deaf
Have you heard of the term audism before? It occurs when a person is discriminated against due to hearing loss. It often takes place in workplaces. Not only does it prevent access to jobs (whether done subtly or overtly), it can act as a hindrance to career growth or promotion of the deaf or hard of hearing because of their hearing loss.
Other forms of audism are expressed by:
- Assuming that someone’s abilities are limited because they are deaf or hard of hearing
- Excluding a deaf person from jokes and conversations
- Setting low expectations on a deaf person’s performance before they carry out the tasks they have been given.
- Making insensitive remarks
These discriminations mentioned can be prevented by:
- Generally getting people exposed to deaf culture and communities around them to know how to communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing.
- Having an environment that is friendly and welcoming to all (hearing individuals, deaf, or others with any kind of disabilities), especially in work environments.
Conclusion
Deaf individuals should not be treated with bias or discriminated against because they are deaf. Their hearing loss is not something they chose. So, like you would want to discover what contributes to a person’s uniqueness when you meet them, you should do the same for the deaf and hard of hearing.
They should be treated equally. A part of that treatment includes understanding sign language (ASL), one of their major communication tools.
Learn ASL today with ASL learning resources from SignBee Academy and continue to treat deaf people around you the right way.
Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Image by storyset on Freepik
