As disabling hearing loss gradually emerges, both older and younger populations are faced with limited tools and options in societies that fear and punish physical differences. This fear leads to more time spent on how to prevent disability rather than how to provide prevention and tools for those living with disabilities.

 

As of now, critical actors in outreach (healthcare, education, NGOs/non-profits, the media, and the internet) are not successfully providing health resources to these individuals, while cognitive biases in both majority and minority groups isolate them from care. Since the barriers people who are Deaf or hard of hearing (HOH) encounter are rooted in communication, to continue discriminatory practices in outreach will only lead to more dangerous miscommunication and misinformation.

 

 

With a powerful emphasis on sign language advocacy, we are inviting Deaf and hard of hearing (HOH) Americans and hearing Americans to help create healthier environments by systematically decreasing audism and ableism. However, to provide long-term care and resources requires a system-wide and tactical approach with collaboration from critical actors located at local, national, and global levels. This includes allyship from those in other social movements.

 

To help make necessary changes at the knowledge-making level, we are rallying for Disability and Deaf Scholars whose work is often overlooked. This is concerning because not only is their work pivotal to the movement but in understanding the human condition. 

 

As we enter an era of digital rights where having access to information can mean life and death, it’s time to make healthcare and information accessible.