Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD)’s Post

DID YOU KNOW... Learning basic sign language offers several significant benefits, both personally and professionally: 1. Enhanced Communication: Knowing basic sign language allows you to communicate more effectively with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. This not only facilitates smoother interactions but also shows respect for their preferred mode of communication. 2. Inclusivity and Accessibility: By learning sign language, you contribute to creating a more inclusive and accessible environment. It demonstrates your commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can participate fully in conversations and activities. 3. Improved Cultural Awareness: Sign language is more than just a way to communicate; it’s an integral part of Deaf culture. Learning it can deepen your understanding of the Deaf community’s rich history, values, and experiences. Professional Advantages: In the workplace, knowing sign language can be a valuable skill that sets you apart. It can enhance your ability to work with a diverse team, serve clients who use sign language, or even take on roles that require communication with the Deaf community. 4. Cognitive Benefits: Learning any new language, including sign language, can improve your cognitive abilities. It enhances memory, problem-solving skills, and multitasking abilities by engaging different areas of your brain. Building Relationships: When you learn sign language, you open the door to new friendships and professional connections within the Deaf community. It fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect. 5. Empathy and Understanding: Learning sign language increases your empathy by giving you insight into the challenges faced by those who rely on non-verbal communication. It encourages a broader perspective on communication and accessibility. Overall, learning basic sign language is a powerful way to bridge communication gaps, promote inclusivity, and enrich both your personal and professional life. Last week I shared with you the Booklet with 25 Emergency Signs in NZSL. This time I will point you to a whole lot more produced by the team at Deaf Aotearoa. Check the link below. These Let's Talk booklets are downloadable and great to print off and put around the office and home. They cover topics such as ... Education; Bars and Restaurants; Medical Situations and more. Link: https://lnkd.in/gBHg5A3H #DeafCommunity #DeafCulture #SignLanguage #Accessibility #Inclusion #Mindset #Enablement #Empowerment #Diversity #InclusiveWorkplace #DeafAwareness #NZSL

⭐️ “The most accessible pathway for full access to linguistic information for many deaf children is through vision.” From the NSF Science of Learning Center on Visual Language | Visual Learning Research Brief No. 2: Advantages of Early Visual Language*, found on https://bit.ly/3MtP61p 
*Originally Referenced from: Mayberry, R. & Lock, E. (2003). Age constraints on first versus second language acquisition: Evidence for linguistic plasticity and epigenesis. Brain and Language, 87(3), 369-384. https://lnkd.in/dsDa-n5q Hoffmeister, R. (2000). A piece of the puzzle: ASL and reading comprehension in deaf children. In C. Chamberlain, J. Morford, & R. Mayberry (Eds.), Language acquisition by eye (pp. 143–163). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. ⁣ We believe deaf children are entitled to full communication access. We believe that considering communication opportunities for deaf children should be based on facts. It starts from day one, and includes collaborative, informed, and committed teamwork to create successful learning experiences for our children and ensure that all plans and programs meet the needs of each one of them, individually and uniquely. www.DeafChildren.org [image description: (Quote and citation as above.) Bottom left small ASDC logo of 5 multicolored hands in "ILY" hand shape with "American Society for Deaf Children" arched over the top. Very faint background of a large 5 multicolored hands in “ILY” hand shape. www.DeafChildren.org] #ASDC #Deaf #DeafResources #SignLanguage #LearnASL #LanguageAcquisition #LanguageDeprivation #ASL #DeafEducation #DeafChildren #HearingLoss #GiveASL #EarlyIntervention #Bilingualism

Did you know that there are over 400 different sign languages used around the world? That's more than the number of spoken languages! This means that Deaf accessibility isn't about simply providing one solution, but about recognizing and catering to the diverse needs of Deaf communities across the globe. Here are some other fun facts about Deaf accessibility: Sign languages are full-fledged languages with their own grammar, syntax, and cultural nuances. They're not just "gestures" or simplified versions of spoken languages. Captioning isn't just for Deaf people! People with learning disabilities, attention disorders, and even those in noisy environments often benefit from captions to better understand spoken word. Technology is playing a huge role in bridging the communication gap. Video calls, sign language translation apps, and real-time captioning services are making communication and access to information easier than ever before. The Deaf community has a rich history and culture! Learning more about Deaf history and cultural events can help break down barriers and foster understanding.

⭐️ “The most accessible pathway for full access to linguistic information for many deaf children is through vision.” From the NSF Science of Learning Center on Visual Language | Visual Learning Research Brief No. 2: Advantages of Early Visual Language*, found on https://bit.ly/3MtP61p 
*Originally Referenced from: Mayberry, R. & Lock, E. (2003). Age constraints on first versus second language acquisition: Evidence for linguistic plasticity and epigenesis. Brain and Language, 87(3), 369-384. https://lnkd.in/dsDa-n5q Hoffmeister, R. (2000). A piece of the puzzle: ASL and reading comprehension in deaf children. In C. Chamberlain, J. Morford, & R. Mayberry (Eds.), Language acquisition by eye (pp. 143–163). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. ⁣ We believe deaf children are entitled to full communication access. We believe that considering communication opportunities for deaf children should be based on facts. It starts from day one, and includes collaborative, informed, and committed teamwork to create successful learning experiences for our children and ensure that all plans and programs meet the needs of each one of them, individually and uniquely. www.DeafChildren.org [image description: (Quote and citation as above.) Bottom left small ASDC logo of 5 multicolored hands in "ILY" hand shape with "American Society for Deaf Children" arched over the top. Very faint background of a large 5 multicolored hands in “ILY” hand shape. www.DeafChildren.org] #ASDC #Deaf #DeafResources #SignLanguage #LearnASL #LanguageAcquisition #LanguageDeprivation #ASL #DeafEducation #DeafChildren #HearingLoss #GiveASL #EarlyIntervention #Bilingualism

Remember, individual needs vary, and diverse communication options are essential. By advocating for vision-based tools and early intervention, we can empower Deaf children's language journeys

Ten Reasons To Be Cheerful About Promoting Sign Language Inclusivity: Promoting Sign Language helps create a more inclusive society by providing communication access for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Communication: Sign Language is a visual language that allows for effective communication without the need for spoken words. Cultural Preservation: Sign Language is an integral part of deaf culture and promoting it helps preserve and celebrate this unique cultural identity. Accessibility: By promoting Sign Language, public spaces and services can become more accessible to individuals who use sign language as their primary mode of communication. Cognitive Benefits: Learning and using Sign Language can have cognitive benefits such as improved memory, spatial awareness, and multi-tasking skills. Career Opportunities: Proficiency in Sign Language can open up career opportunities in fields such as education, interpreting and advocacy for the deaf community. Watch out for a feature on Kristina’s work as a registered Sign Language interpreter in this week’s Belfast News Letter. Social Inclusion: Sign Language promotes social inclusion by breaking down communication barriers and fostering connections between individuals with and without hearing impairments. Educational benefits: Teaching Sign Language in schools can enhance student’s language skills, cultural awareness, and empathy towards individuals with disabilities. Legal Rights: Promoting Sign Language reinforces the legal rights of deaf individuals to access information and services in a language that is accessible to them. We welcome the imminent arrival of a Sign Language Act for NI. Empowerment: Learning and using Sign Language empowers deaf individuals to express ourselves, advocate for our rights and participate fully in society. These are just a few of the reasons why promoting Sign Language is a positive and valuable endeavour. If you would like to find out more about our work, follow the link to our website: https://lnkd.in/eXhsA_sW #SLW2024 #TimeToSign

🌍🤟Happy International Day of Sign Languages! Today, we honor linguistic diversity and underscore the vital importance of fostering inclusivity in our digital realm for the Deaf community. As a family with deaf family members, this cause is very personal to us. Here are some key pointers for crafting accessible videos and web content: 1️⃣ Subtitles are Essential: Always incorporate subtitles or closed captions when producing videos. This simple addition guarantees that Deaf and hard of hearing individuals can fully engage with your content. 2️⃣ Sign Language Interpreters: For crucial announcements or information in your videos, consider utilizing sign language interpreters. This provides a direct means for the Deaf community to comprehend your message. 3️⃣ Alt Text and Transcripts: Enhance website accessibility by including alt text for images and supplying transcripts for videos and audio materials. This aids individuals using screen readers and those who prefer reading content. 4️⃣ Sign Language at Virtual Events: When hosting webinars or virtual gatherings, offer sign language interpretation to enable Deaf participants to actively participate and engage. 5️⃣ Seek Feedback and Collaborate: Continuously seek feedback from the Deaf community to enhance accessibility. Collaborate with Deaf individuals and organizations to ensure your content and services are authentically inclusive. Happy #SignLanguageDay! 🌍🤝 #AccessibilityMatters #Inclusion

⭐️ “The most accessible pathway for full access to linguistic information for many deaf children is through vision.” From the NSF Science of Learning Center on Visual Language | Visual Learning Research Brief No. 2: Advantages of Early Visual Language*, found on https://bit.ly/3MtP61p 
*Originally Referenced from: Mayberry, R. & Lock, E. (2003). Age constraints on first versus second language acquisition: Evidence for linguistic plasticity and epigenesis. Brain and Language, 87(3), 369-384. https://lnkd.in/dsDa-n5q Hoffmeister, R. (2000). A piece of the puzzle: ASL and reading comprehension in deaf children. In C. Chamberlain, J. Morford, & R. Mayberry (Eds.), Language acquisition by eye (pp. 143–163). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. ⁣ We believe deaf children are entitled to full communication access. We believe that considering communication opportunities for deaf children should be based on facts. It starts from day one, and includes collaborative, informed, and committed teamwork to create successful learning experiences for our children and ensure that all plans and programs meet the needs of each one of them, individually and uniquely. www.DeafChildren.org [image description: (Quote and citation as above.) Bottom left small ASDC logo of 5 multicolored hands in "ILY" hand shape with "American Society for Deaf Children" arched over the top. Very faint background of a large 5 multicolored hands in “ILY” hand shape. www.DeafChildren.org] #ASDC #Deaf #DeafResources #SignLanguage #LearnASL #LanguageAcquisition #LanguageDeprivation #ASL #DeafEducation #DeafChildren #HearingLoss #GiveASL #EarlyIntervention #Bilingualism

Why Sign Language Interpretation is essential at every event: A call for Accessibility As we gear up for our upcoming conference, a crucial discussion has arisen about the inclusion of sign language interpretation. While some view it as an unnecessary expense if there’s no immediate demand, I firmly believe accessibility isn’t a matter of convenience—it’s a fundamental right. Here’s why it matters: Inclusivity should never be an afterthought: Accessibility must be integrated into every event from the start, not added reactively. Offering sign language interpretation demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of hearing ability, feels welcomed and valued. Commitment to universal access: Events focused on disability and rehabilitation must reflect the values we uphold. By providing sign language services, we affirm our dedication to equal participation for all. Reaching the unseen audience: Often, we don’t know who might benefit from sign language interpretation—whether they attend in person or access event recordings later. Accessibility is about opening doors for people we may not even see yet. Setting a precedent for the future: By embracing accessibility now, we’re setting a higher standard for future events. Leading by example encourages other organizations to prioritize inclusivity from the outset. Inclusion isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in creating a world where everyone can participate fully. Let’s build events that reflect the principles of equality, dignity, and respect. #InclusionMatters #Accessibility #SignLanguage #Rehabilitation #DisabilityRights #UniversalAccess

🌟 Unlocking sign language interpretation: Bridging Communication Gaps with Applied Development 🌟 sign language interpreting services isn't just reserved for high-profile events like Rihanna's Super Bowl performance—it's a vital tool for communication accessibility across various settings. But how can you ensure accurate and comprehensive American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting services that truly support workplace inclusion of Deaf and hard of hearing people? At Applied Development, we're passionate about providing expert sign language interpreting services that go far beyond standard expectations to ensure that Deaf and hard of hearing people can share their brilliance at work. From deciphering the nuances of ASL to navigating diverse communication needs, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Let's embrace inclusivity and bridge communication gaps together! #DeafCommunity #SignLanguageInterpretation #DiversityInclusion #InclusionMatters #SignLanguage