P Francesca Foundation’s Post

🌟 Celebrating the Diversity and Strengths of the Deaf Community 🌟 Let’s recognise the unique qualities and contributions of the Deaf community. Here are some important points to remember: 🔹 Diverse Experiences: Deafness encompasses a wide range of experiences and reasons. It's vital to acknowledge the varied backgrounds and perspectives within the Deaf community. 🔹 Unique Individuals: Deaf people are as diverse as anyone else, with distinct interests, talents, and personal stories. They are individuals with their own unique identities. 🔹 Equal Cognitive Abilities: There is no difference in cognitive abilities between Deaf and hearing individuals. Deaf people have the same potential for success and innovation. 🔹 Rich Sign Languages: Deaf communities often use indigenous sign languages that are complex, expressive, and integral to their culture. These languages are vital to their communication and identity. 🔹 Distinct Culture: The Deaf community has a rich and unique culture, with its own traditions, norms, and values. This cultural heritage adds depth to our collective human experience. Supporting and celebrating the Deaf community starts with understanding and appreciation. Let’s promote inclusion and respect for everyone’s unique contributions. 🤝✨ #DeafCulture #Inclusion #Diversity #SignLanguage #Community

September is Deaf Awareness month... Can a Deaf person be told they don't have Deaf culture or lack knowledge on Deaf culture? The answer is NO! Deaf culture is a part of who we are, and our experiences and identity are valid. No one can dictate or gatekeep your cultural identity or experiences. Of course, we have prominent Deaf leaders who have paved the way and set precedents on the outlook of Deaf culture which we respect and honor. However, their leadership and legacy is there to inspire and empower, NOT DICTATE, how individual Deaf people live their lives. Deaf culture is not a one-size-fits-all. It's a culture shaped by diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities. Respect the uniqueness of each Deaf individual's journey! #Deafawarenessmonth #DeafCulture #DeafIdentity #DeafPride #DeafEmpowerment

Imagine navigating a world that is loud but silent to you. While others hear the hum of the city, the laughter in the next room, or a friend’s “hello,” you experience life through sight, touch, and intuition. For the Deaf, every interaction requires focus, adaptability, and patience. It’s not just about hearing or not hearing—it’s about accessing the world in a different way. Deafness often leads to isolation, not because Deaf individuals lack communication, but because society is slow to bridge the gap. Everyday tasks like ordering coffee or understanding public announcements can become barriers to inclusion. But with a little empathy, this can change. Learning basic ASL, advocating for captioned content, and using inclusive technology aren’t just supportive—they’re essential. They say, “I see you; I respect you.” When we recognize Deaf culture, we enrich our own. Let’s work together to build a world where everyone is heard, seen, and valued. #DeafAwareness #InclusionMatters #RespectDeafCulture #SignWithUs 👉 Join the movement. Learn a sign today, and help create a more inclusive world.

Celebrating International Day of the Deaf 2024 Today, we recognize the International Day of the Deaf, a day that highlights the rights, contributions, and resilience of deaf individuals around the world. This year’s theme, "A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!", reminds us of the critical importance of sign language as a key to access, inclusion, and human dignity for the deaf community. As we work toward a more inclusive society, it’s essential to advocate for policies, resources, and opportunities that break down barriers and ensure deaf individuals have access to education, employment, and healthcare in their preferred language, sign language. Let’s continue the conversation about inclusion, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can thrive and contribute to our communities. Together, we can build a world where deaf people can sign anywhere and everywhere. #InternationalDeafDay #Inclusion #SignLanguage #Accessibility

September shares different awareness themes throughout the month and holidays. Did you know that September is also National Deaf Awareness Month? The definition of deaf is to be having total or partial hearing loss. To learn more and become a better advocate, you can explore websites dedicated to deaf culture, history, and advocacy, like the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). Look for documentaries that highlight deaf experiences, such as "The Hearing World" or "Through Deaf Eyes." Participate in local events or online webinars celebrating Deaf Awareness Month. Many organizations host talks, panels, or workshops. Learn Sign Language: Take a beginner's class in American Sign Language (ASL) or another sign language to better understand communication within the deaf community. Follow deaf artists, filmmakers, or musicians on social media to appreciate their work and perspective. Volunteer: Get involved with organizations that support the deaf community, helping raise awareness and understanding. Attend deaf community gatherings or events to meet individuals and learn firsthand about their experiences. Follow hashtags like #DeafAwarenessMonth or accounts dedicated to deaf advocacy to stay updated and informed Share what you learn with friends and family to help spread awareness and foster understanding. You can also visit deafchildren.org #NationalDeafAwarenessMonth #ASDC #ASDCLanguageMattersMovement #SupportDeafAwareness #LanguageAccessibility

🌍✨ Empowering Deaf Businesses and Creators Around the World A lot of Deaf people in America struggle to find jobs because of discrimination and lack of accessibility. But don’t let that stop you. Imagine if we, the Deaf community, used social media to grow a business or become content creators and turn things around! We need to be seen, not as invisible, but as hardworking individuals making a difference. By creating and monetizing content on social media, we can show off our talents, skills, and unique perspectives. This empowers us and educates others. To business and social media industry leaders: Pay attention to Deaf creators. We have stories to tell, businesses to build, and innovations to share. It's time for inclusivity and representation. If you can’t find a job because of discrimination, forget them. Make your own job and create your own accessibility. You don’t need to show your face on social media to make an impact! You can build and grow a successful business behind the scenes. From managing social media accounts, creating graphic designs, to offering virtual services—there are so many ways to thrive and shine. You can even start making money online today. Take advantage of the opportunities out there! Nobody is going to help you. You are the one who can help yourself. Deaf community, it’s our time to take action! Let’s support each other, collaborate, and show the world our strength and resilience. Together, we can build a thriving ecosystem where every Deaf individual has the chance to succeed.

🌍✨ World Deaf Day 2024 ✨🌍 As ADA accessibility professionals, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusion and accessibility for everyone, regardless of their hearing ability. Accessibility isn't just a feature; it's a right. 💡 Whether it’s a webinar, meeting, or a video, always ensure captions or transcripts are available. This benefits not only Deaf individuals but also anyone in noisy or quiet environments. 💡 Ensure your digital content follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by including features like video captions and transcripts. Let’s break down barriers and ensure our spaces—both physical and digital—are fully accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. #WorldDeafDay #ADAAccessibility #InclusionForAll #SignLanguage #DeafCulture #CaptioningMatters #AccessibilityForAll #AccessibleWebsites #AccessibleTechnology #CaptioningAndTranscription

🌍✨ World Deaf Day 2024 ✨🌍 As ADA accessibility professionals, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusion and accessibility for everyone, regardless of their hearing ability. Accessibility isn't just a feature; it's a right. 💡 Whether it’s a webinar, meeting, or a video, always ensure captions or transcripts are available. This benefits not only Deaf individuals but also anyone in noisy or quiet environments. 💡 Ensure your digital content follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by including features like video captions and transcripts. Let’s break down barriers and ensure our spaces—both physical and digital—are fully accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. #WorldDeafDay #ADAAccessibility #InclusionForAll #SignLanguage #DeafCulture #CaptioningMatters #AccessibilityForAll #AccessibleWebsites #AccessibleTechnology #CaptioningAndTranscription

🌍✨ World Deaf Day 2024 ✨🌍 As ADA accessibility professionals, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusion and accessibility for everyone, regardless of their hearing ability. Accessibility isn't just a feature; it's a right. 💡 Whether it’s a webinar, meeting, or a video, always ensure captions or transcripts are available. This benefits not only Deaf individuals but also anyone in noisy or quiet environments. 💡 Ensure your digital content follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) by including features like video captions and transcripts. Let’s break down barriers and ensure our spaces—both physical and digital—are fully accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. #WorldDeafDay #ADAAccessibility #InclusionForAll #SignLanguage #DeafCulture #CaptioningMatters #AccessibilityForAll #AccessibleWebsites #AccessibleTechnology #CaptioningAndTranscription

As a hearing parent of a deaf child, this truly resonated with me. It made me realise that, in today's climate, my child often bears the burden of advocating for and ensuring their own accessibility. This will not change unless we create Deaf-friendly communities. There's so much potential for improvement if we listen to and involve Deaf-led organisation’s, members of the Deaf community, and parents of deaf children in the conversation. We know everyone is on the same page and wants an inclusive community, but please bring the right people to the conversation to make this happen. This snippet was taken from the SBS episode called *The Deaf Divide*, featuring the wonderful Todd Wright providing his insight. The way forward is true inclusion for all, starting with inclusive planning and discussions about our future. Without this, we risk perpetuating the cycle of advocating against misguided notions of what inclusion truly means. It's crucial for state and federal governments to recognise the importance of involving people with lived experiences to build the communities we all desire. This includes funding Deaf-led and parent-led organisations to drive meaningful, impactful change for our community.