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Step 1
The most comprehensive way to start learning about deaf culture is by enrolling in a Deaf History/Culture class with a deaf teacher. Unless you are in a beginning sign language class, you will most likely have interpreters present to understand the teacher. This not only allows you to learn the other culture in your own language, it also allows the teacher to express her/himself in her/his own language. Taking an academic class on the topic also connects you to people and events within the Deaf community.
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Step 2
In the United States, deaf coffee chats occur all over the country. This is social time for deaf people that often takes place in local coffee shops on a regular basis. If you are taking a beginning sign class, this is one of the best ways to practice your new language. It is also a very casual and tentative step to interacting with the deaf community.
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Step 3
The deaf community is constantly organizing opportunities to network services and socializing across the country and the world. ASL and Deaf Expos are days filled with activities for the entire family. There are also booths set up for opportunities to learn about all the local services available for a deaf individual functioning in a hearing world. Some of the national schools for the deaf also hold open house annually to exhibit the successes of their students and to allow new families with Deaf children to see if the school is a good fit for them. Deaf artists display their art in many different ways depending on their medium and often welcome hearing viewers. For example, deaf theaters have been established throughout the country for many decades now, and often have voiced interpretation to better connect with the hearing audience.
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Step 1
Sign language is the unifying tie that connects deaf people around the world. Even though signed languages differ across countries and continents, deaf people still find ways to connect on and international level. Locally, this is the most important ‘in’ to the community. Make an effort to learn the natural language of the Deaf within your geographical area. By taking academic classes, you will not only be learning the ‘correct’ language (rather than a signed equivalent to the local spoken language), you will also be learning about the deaf world.
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Step 2
When you first enter a social scene in the deaf world, you may feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed by the communication surrounding you of which you have no comprehension. Now you know how a deaf person feels in the dominant hearing world in which s/he has no choice but to live. In the Deaf World, direct communication is inherent for cohesive relationships. If learning their language is the first step in recognizing your hearing privilege, then not using your natural spoken communication is the second and perhaps the most important step. When in the presence of a Deaf person one should sign if she/he can so everyone present can understand the communication.
