Deaf Culture Articles

Name Signs: What Are They and How Does a Person Get a Name Sign?

Name Signs: What Are They and How Does a Person Get a Name Sign?

By Brenda Cartwright
Tuesday, August 29, 2023

What is a name sign, how do you use it in conversation, and how are name signs given? Read the article to find the answers.
Closed Captioning

Closed Captioning

By Brenda Cartwright
Monday, January 23, 2023

Closed captioning took well over 30 years to appear after the onset of television programming. With laws now in place to mandate closed captioning for all new video programming, Deaf and hard of hearing consumers may finally make the most of watching television. However, captions benefit more than just the deaf — second language viewers, elderly with hearing issues, children learning to read, and really anyone watching a movie or show with audio that may be unclear at times (like characters speaking quickly or excitedly or with an accent) or when watching in a loud environment.
How does a deaf person feel when a hearing person approaches them in public and tries to use sign language?

How does a deaf person feel when a hearing person approaches them in public and tries to use sign language?

By Brenda Cartwright
Thursday, January 19, 2023

Should a hearing person approach an unfamiliar deaf person in public and try signing? Read the article to learn about social cues and keeping common courtesies in mind.
Classifications of Deafness By Age

Classifications of Deafness By Age

By Marta Belsky and Brenda Cartwright
Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Classifications are used to categorize deafness based on WHEN someone becomes deaf. Read the article to learn the terminology for these classifications.
Do deaf people ever wish they were hearing?

Do deaf people ever wish they were hearing?

By Marta Belsky
Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Read this thoughtful commentary on whether or not deaf people wish to be hearing.
How do people become deaf?

How do people become deaf?

By Marta Belsky and Brenda Cartwright
Wednesday, September 28, 2022

There are several causes of deafness. Read the article to learn about specific causes.
2022 International Day of Sign Languages and International Week of Deaf People

2022 International Day of Sign Languages and International Week of Deaf People

By Julie Paes and Marta Belsky
Thursday, September 22, 2022

The International Day of Sign Languages will be celebrated on Friday, September 23, 2022 with the theme, "Sign Language Unites Us!" Read the article to learn more about celebrating the Day, as well as the International Week of Deaf People.
Do all deaf people benefit from hearing aids?

Do all deaf people benefit from hearing aids?

By Marta Belsky and Brenda Cartwright
Monday, August 1, 2022

Are hearing aids a good solution for all deaf people? Read the article to get more perspective on the use of hearing aids.
What is Fingerspelling?

What is Fingerspelling?

By Brenda Cartwright
Monday, July 18, 2022

Are you wondering what fingerspelling means, or when to fingerspell words? Are you interested in learning good ways of practicing fingerspelling? Read the article for some very helpful information.
What is the correct terminology when referring to deaf people?

What is the correct terminology when referring to deaf people?

By Marta Belsky and Brenda Cartwright
Thursday, July 7, 2022

Do you know the difference between the terms Deaf and deaf? Read the article to become culturally aware of the terminology accepted for referring to deaf people.