Culturally deaf - what can this mean?

“Culturally deaf” means someone who is deaf and uses Auslan. They probably went to school with other students who were deaf. Some deaf people may sign Auslan very well, but can’t read or write English very well at all.

If you want to get a deaf person’s attention, you may need to touch their shoulder instead of speaking their name. Deaf people may use special equipment i.e. a TTY, flashing lights and webcams, so they can do things they want to do.

Deaf residents will want o make sure that they have information they can easily understand. This might mean information in Auslan is best for them by using an Auslan interpreter or pointing at things, or using a whiteboard, or paper and pen.

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‘Deafness’ - the medical view

The Deaf Community usually think the word ‘deafness’ means something medical - the ear not working. They don’t think that a medical word describes them as people.

Other people who don’t think that they are culturally deaf may feel that their deafness, and how much they can hear is important to them. How much they can hear may change how they communicate, for example:

1. • Some people might use the little bit of hearing they have so they know there is a noise near them.
   

2. •Some people might only use  lipreading, and might not use sign language at all.
   

3. •Some people might have grown up being able to hear, and learned to speak, then later lost their hearing. These people can still remember what speech sounds like, so can speak quite well.
   

It is easy to recognise people who are culturally deaf - they use Auslan.

Language and culture are the roots that interwine to define human identity, to affirm one’s existence. The oldest search in human history is a place to be.

                                                                    Gallaudet: The Film:, 2010.

                                                                     http://movie.gallaudet.edu/

Culture- such as?

Deaf* culture is about values and a shared understanding and is not very visible. It may be easier to see some other people’s culture. Other cultures will show their culture by clothing, food and celebrations. Deaf culture is about the experiences that the Deaf Community has shared.

Staff need to understand that deaf residents have their own culture. This website will talk more about deaf culture. Understanding something about deaf culture will help staff work with deaf residents, and will help the culturally deaf residents at nursing homes and hostels.

Remember this website, and if you have a situation with a deaf resident that you are not sure about, come and check it out here and decide for yourself what to do or even contact your nearest Deaf Society office for additional information or support if applicable.

* Generally, the word ‘Deaf’ with a capital ‘D’ refers to the Deaf community who use sign language and feel a sense of belonging and pride in being deaf. These culturally deaf people don’t share the medical view of deafness as a medical condition.