1st draft

NEED 2 LINES INTRO ABOUT DEAF CULTURE..

HISTORY 2 LINES

By definition, Deaf culture refers to language, values, beliefs, behaviors, and customs shared by Deaf persons. From the above definition, one may wonder on the difference between “deaf” and “Deaf.” The word “deaf” signifies pathology, which is the clinical term employed in referring to an individual with hearing inability or impairment. On the other hand, the word “Deaf” refers to a cultural identity for individuals who identify themselves as members of the Deaf culture. The members of the Deaf culture use American Sign Language (ASL) in communication.

Currently, the major issue that is faced by the Deaf culture is the employment of technology as a hearing aid. Mainly, members of the Deaf culture have opposed the use of cochlear implants as hearing aid for deaf children. Their main point of argument is that the introduction of hearing aids will divert the children away from the Deaf culture, thus threatening the existence and the procreation of the culture and identity of the Deaf culture.

Deaf culture has several personalities that have become the role models of the culture. One of the examples is Dr. I. King Jordan a Deaf professor in Gallaudet University, who was the first Deaf individual to be a University president in the United States. Dr. I. King Jordan was appointed the president of Gallaudet University after Deaf students protested pointing out that it was time for their voices to be heard and represented. This took place in 1988. Marlee Matlin is also another member of the Deaf culture who has proven that being Deaf is not a disability. She has been nominated for several Oscar awards. (MAKE IT SHORTER)

Generally, the members of the hearing society perceive hearing as a disability. This is evidenced by the fact that whenever a deaf individual makes a breakthrough in any aspect of life, the members of the deaf hearing society view it as an overcoming of a great obstacle. For instance, the fact that Marlee Matlin can lip-read and talk makes members of the hearing culture to admire her largely. To ensure integration with the hearing members and bridging the communication gap between the Deaf individuals and the hearing individuals, I believe that the hearing individuals should learn the American Sign Language.

NEED PARAGRPH ABOUT READING LIPS

ADD PART FROM INTERVIEW

make it one and half- 2 pages