Signly’s Post

The problem is when hearing people make the Choice for Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals, not considering their learning style and not trusting that the student request reflects their need. Current advocacy for the entire community of people with disabilities recommends Trust in the person to know their needs, rather than school or medical personnel or others Taking Away Choice. If you are saying to the person, "No, we can't, but..." you may be silencing them and beginning an act that could he discriminatory or worse cause real harm, such as destroying their faith in education or medicine.

This hit home when I watched earlier, Forever grateful that I was able to attend private school, however it reminded me of all those years of having to sit at the front of the classroom so I could supposedly hear what the teachers were saying, can’t tell you how much I hated that, I just wanted to be treated the same as all the other kids in the classroom! Thankfully hearing aid technology has come on leaps and bounds but still think there’s a lot to be learnt about deaf awareness in schools and in the workplace. I’m still finding out today what help or things I’m eligible for out there. Well done BBC for highlighting this!

This was my daughters experience of being in school. School left her with zero confidence and not being where she could have been academically. She had some friends but recently said she felt like she never fitted in, she couldn't follow conversations and wouldn't get invited to things. She grew up isolated and hating being deaf as a result, and no matter how much l fought for her, it never changed. Got to say this reduced me to tears and it should not be happening in todays society

I don’t agree with the word ‘accessibility’ that brings nothing in life. Both deaf and hearing children should communicate in BSL - fully inclusive! In Wales, children must learn both English and Welsh in every school - it’s a legal requirement! Why not a BSL medium school!

The arrogance of those with little to zero experience of Deaf children in education or just how they live in this world and who seem to believe they have ‘the answer’ or tech/AI can resolve is not surprising to me as a child of a Deaf parent, I have seen how isolating it can be just existing, always seen as an annoyance as they ‘need something’ folks don’t have time to give. People need people, the need for connection, communication and empathy is paramount and no amount of tech or AI can replace that. Well done to the BBC for highlighting this issue.

Wow, this video brought up a ton of not-so-great memories of being mainstreamed into the public school system alone for the first time. And this feeling carries through into college, life, employment, etc. This video is about inclusivity and belonging for the deaf/hoh, and a lack of both is detrimental to the well-being and confidence of these individuals.

Seen this happen so many times over my career as a CSW I’m a coda and hold a level of sign that is extremely high, it’s also important to remember that placing an age appropriate person in these sorts of situations really helps the students to relate, as I grew older I started to turn down work with secondary school children because I was so out of touch with their interests and things like gaming etc, having an excellent repore with the people you’re supposed to be supporting helps not only with their own learning but in being able to help them interact fully with their peers.

I was once a Governor at a school with a deaf unit, I was so disappointed that deaf children were never considered to be high achievers. why? If the education system was accessible these children would have as many opportunities as their peers. In adulthood I have been shocked by the way I have been treated as a deaf woman, people assume that because I talk well I exaggerate my difficulties. Or that they can decide for me what I can and can’t hear. Why is everything a fight? Why am I judged by my impairment. Often it’s not until people have these experiences in their personal lives that they begin to understand the difficulties we face on a day to day basis.

I still remember when I transferred to a private school and no one thought to ask me if I needed the same accommodations I had in public school. They figured- small classes so she can hear the teacher. I love Leah’s comment “having compassionate and supportive leaders and colleagues can make a massive difference in being heard and feeling equal. Growing up, I didn’t feel any of that. Thank you BBC

As a deaf person, who had similar experiences throughout education, this clip really resonates with me. I am thrilled to see that BBC has touched upon such struggles and highlighted them to a wider audience. I hope there is continued progress within education to make success in academics less of a scary undertaking for deaf children! Its important to be able to thrive, no matter if you are disabled or not, and to have access to support that allows for a level playing field with your peers.