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What is Deaf Gain?

Jill and Jenna discuss deaf gain.
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What is Deaf Gain?

Video Transcript: What is Deaf Gain?

JILL: Hello, I’m Jill…

JENNA: And I’m Jenna.

JILL: Together we are…

BOTH: ASL Stew!

JILL: We make videos about Deaf culture, sign language, interpreting, and things like that. So today we’re talking about Deaf gain. So why are we talking about that?

JENNA: You know, most people in general think that being Deaf means you’re disabled, or you’re missing something. Like you can’t hear. You can’t do something, or there’s a lack of something, but that’s not true. Times have changed, and now we’re more aware about how Deaf people have something to contribute to society. There’s benefits to being Deaf.

One benefit is if a Deaf person uses hearing aids, cochlear implants, or any sort of listening devices, like myself. I use hearing aids. Maybe if you go out to a restaurant or some place that’s really noisy, a lot of talking or something like that. You know, it get’s annoying! Sometimes it bothers me. So, one benefit is I can turn my hearing off. Hearing people can’t do that. You have to suffer. Maybe use earplugs or something like that, but most of the time you don’t have a choice. You just have to get used to it. I can just turn it off and live in peace and quiet. Alright! It’s really nice.

JILL: Not fair! The second Deaf gain is not being awakened by noise. That benefits me as well, because maybe she sleeps in. I can wake up, I can vacuum. I can do whatever I want and she’s gonna sleep like a rock. Perfect!
JENNA: Another benefit, especially within the work environment, is maybe if you work at a factory, or some place that has a lot of noise or machinery. Deaf workers are able to focus better because they’re not bothered by the noise. Some people who are hearing, they have distractions and they have to use earphones, or something like that. Deaf people don’t have those distractions, they can focus on their work.

JILL: Another Deaf gain is studies have proven Deaf people have better peripheral vision. That’s awesome!

JENNA: Another benefit is Deaf people have different perspectives on how to navigate through life. They can come up with different perspectives and great ideas. JILL: A Deaf gain is being involved in the Deaf community. The Deaf community has a strong culture, community, history and so much more! So, if you’re Deaf, you can have all that!

JENNA: So as you can see, there’s a lot of different Deaf gains. There’s limitless possibilities. Lots of things that can be benefits of being Deaf.

JILL: So if you’re Deaf, be proud of who you are. If you’re hearing, remember that Deaf people have a lot to contribute to society. So think diversity, more than thinking of a loss. Think Deaf gain!

JENNA: If you guys can think of any other Deaf gains, let us know. We love reading your comments. We want to see more gains that the community can offer to society. We look forward to reading your comments.

JILL: Alright, see you later. Bye!

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