Hard Of Hearing - Tumblr Posts
I used to not understand why "to turn a blind eye" and "to fall on deaf ears" were considered ableist language because they felt like just some phrases. But now that I think about it, if the only instance where people brought up autism in a conversation was something like "to display autistic uninterest" I'd be pissed off too.
I've thought this so many times...
Captions shouldn't be censored. If the video says fuck or cum or cunt the captions should say the fucking word.
Next up is communication AND Hoh/deaf for @thepromptfoundry Disability boogaloo!!
Communicate
Talk, talk, talk
Chatter, chatter, chatter
Can’t we speak
The way I need to?
Can’t we communicate
The way I can understand?
Talk, talk, talk
Chatter, chatter, chatter
Please let me communicate with you
(yes it’s bad I’m burned out so this is the best I could do)
Gonna tell y’all what I can hear now that I got my hearing aids
Captions shouldn't be censored. If the video says fuck or cum or cunt the captions should say the fucking word.
Growing up in a house where everyone is hard of hearing or has audio processing issues means:
•"What do you want for dinner" "what?" What do you-" "chicken Kiev"
•"no subtitles? Pick something else"
• Unsynced subtitles = day ruined
• Knock on the door or misheard noise?
• "so-" *sneeze* *wait 3 seconds* "hearing back? So-"
So I grew up in a house where everyone is hard of hearing or has audio processing issues. Here is my ranking of streaming services subtitles (Australia only):
Best to worst
1. Crunchyroll: always synched, no background
2. Netflix: almost always synched, no background, matches dialogue, multiple languages
3: Stan: almost always synched, no background matches dialogue
4: Binge: minor synching issues, no background, matches dialogue
5: Amazon prime video: major synching issues, inconsistent backgrounds (sometimes transparent, sometimes opaque), matches dialogue
5: Disney+: minor synching issues, inconsistent backgrounds (sometimes transparent, sometimes opaque), mostly matches dialogue
6: Foxtel Go: minor synching issues, opaque background, matches dialogue 50% of the time
7: Paramount+: de-synches after ten minutes, opaque background, matches dialogue 50% of the time
Haven't tried AMC+
I just wanted to complain
MEDIA COMPANIES DO BETTER
BTS and their staff really outdid themselves in regards to including the deaf/hard of hearing (HOH) community in “Permission to Dance”. As someone who needs hearing aids 🦻 to hear well and knows a bit of sign language because I work with very young kids, I very much appreciate the effort. BTS is truly about inclusivity and I know I stan the right group.
YES PLEASE. omg
Creating Authentic Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters: A Writer's Journal
Introduction
Creating authentic characters in your writing is essential for engaging storytelling, and this includes characters who are deaf or hard of hearing. To craft a character that accurately represents this community, it's crucial to do your research, gain a deep understanding of their experiences, and portray them with sensitivity and respect. In this journal, we'll explore how to write a deaf or hard of hearing character, including key information and preparation steps.
Understanding Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters
Research: Start by researching deaf and hard of hearing individuals' experiences, challenges, and culture. Read books, articles, and personal stories, and watch documentaries or interviews featuring members of the Deaf community.
Consult with Experts: Reach out to members of the Deaf community or experts in Deaf studies to gain insights into their experiences. They can provide invaluable guidance and help you avoid common misconceptions.
Diversity Within the Community: Understand that the Deaf and hard of hearing community is diverse. Some individuals communicate using sign language, while others rely on lip-reading, cochlear implants, or hearing aids. Be aware of these differences when creating your character.
Character Development
Backstory and Identity: Consider your character's background. Were they born deaf or did they become deaf later in life? How do they identify within the Deaf community? Understanding their identity and experiences will shape their character.
Language and Communication: Decide how your character communicates. Are they fluent in sign language, or do they primarily rely on lip-reading and spoken language? Their communication style will influence their interactions with other characters.
Cultural Awareness: Explore the cultural aspects of the Deaf community. Understand the importance of Deaf culture, including its history, art, and values. Incorporate these elements into your character's life when relevant.
Writing Tips
Dialogue and Communication: When writing dialogue for a deaf or hard of hearing character, be mindful of their unique communication style. Use visual cues, body language, and facial expressions to convey emotions and context.
Access to Information: Consider the challenges your character may face in accessing information. This could involve issues with closed captioning, subtitles, or accommodations in educational or work settings.
Social Interactions: Depict social interactions realistically. Show how your character navigates conversations, group dynamics, and social events within their community and with hearing individuals.
Preparation
Sensitivity Readers: Consider hiring sensitivity readers who are part of the Deaf or hard of hearing community to review your work and provide feedback. Their insights can help you avoid stereotypes and inaccuracies.
Learn Sign Language: If your character uses sign language, take the time to learn at least basic signs. This will not only enrich your writing but also demonstrate your commitment to accuracy.
Beta Readers: Seek feedback from a diverse group of beta readers who can assess the authenticity of your character and offer constructive criticism.
Engage with the Community: Attend Deaf community events, workshops, or online forums to immerse yourself in the culture and better understand the perspectives and experiences of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Creating a deaf or hard-of-hearing character that resonates with readers requires dedication, empathy, and thorough research. By following these steps and embracing the rich culture and diversity of the Deaf community, you can create a character that is not only authentic but also promotes understanding and inclusivity in your writing. In addition—when writing dialogue for your deaf/hard of hearing character, remember:
It's important to clarify why, when writing dialogue for a deaf character, you should continue to use structured English grammar and not Sign Language structured grammar.
Maintaining Structured English Grammar:
Readability: Writing in structured English grammar ensures that the text remains accessible and comprehensible to all readers, including those who may not be familiar with sign language or Deaf culture. It avoids potential confusion that could arise from using sign language grammar in written text.
Universal Understanding: English is a global language, and adhering to its grammar rules allows for a wider audience to understand and engage with your story. Sign language grammar varies between different sign languages, making it less universally applicable in written form.
Respect for the Medium: While sign language is a rich and expressive mode of communication, it is primarily a visual and gestural language. Attempting to replicate sign language grammar in written text can be cumbersome and may not fully capture the nuances of sign language communication.
Balance of Realism and Readability: Striking a balance between authenticity and readability is crucial in storytelling. Maintaining structured English grammar while depicting a deaf character's interactions helps convey the character's experience without compromising the reader's ability to follow the narrative.
In summary, using structured English grammar when writing dialogue for a deaf character is a practical and respectful choice that ensures your writing remains inclusive and accessible to a broad audience while still authentically representing the character's identity and experiences.
As an illustration, consider the following text:
Dialogues with Descriptive Sign Language:
Sarah greeted John with a warm smile, her hands moving gracefully as she signed, "Hi, how are you?"
John returned the greeting in sign language, his expressions mirroring his words. "I'm good, thanks. Did you see the new movie?"
Sarah's eyes lit up as she signed back enthusiastically, "Yes, I loved it!"
dope resource
Resources For Writing Deaf, Mute, or Blind Characters
Despite the fact that I am not deaf, mute, or blind myself, one of the most common questions I receive is how to portray characters with these disabilities in fiction.
As such, I’ve compiled the resources I’ve accumulated (from real life deaf, mute, or blind people) into a handy masterlist.
Deaf Characters:
Deaf characters masterpost
Deaf dialogue thread
Dialogue with signing characters (also applies to mute characters.)
A deaf author’s advice on deaf characters
Dialogue between deaf characters
Mute Characters
Life as a Mute
My Silent Summer: Life as a Mute
What It’s Like Being Mute
21 People Reveal What It’s Really Like To Be Mute
I am a 20 year old Mute, ask me anything at all!
Blind Characters:
The 33 Worst Mistakes Writers Make About Blind Characters.
@referenceforwriters masterpost of resources for writing/playing blind characters.
The youtube channel of the wonderful Tommy Edison, a man blind from birth with great insight into the depiction of blind people and their lives.
An Absolute Write thread on the depiction of blind characters, with lots of different viewpoints and some great tips.
And finally, this short, handy masterpost of resources for writing blind characters.
Characters Who Are Blind in One Eye
4 Ways Life Looks Shockingly Different With One Eye
Learning to Live With One Eye
Adapting to the Loss of an Eye
Adapting to Eye Loss and Monocular Vision
Monocular Depth Perception
Deaf-Blind Characters
What Is It Like To Be Deafblind?
Going Deaf and Blind in a City of Noise and Lights
Deaf and Blind by 30
Sarita is Blind, Deaf, and Employed (video)
Born Deaf and Blind, This Eritrean American Graduated Harvard Law School (video)
A Day of a Deaf Blind Person
Lesser Known Things About Being Deafblind
How the Deaf-Blind Communicate
Early Interactions With Children Who Are Deaf-Blind
Raising a DeafBlind Baby
If you have any more resources to add, let me know! I’ll be adding to this post as I find more resources.
I hope this helps, and happy writing! <3
dope resource
Resources For Writing Deaf, Mute, or Blind Characters
Despite the fact that I am not deaf, mute, or blind myself, one of the most common questions I receive is how to portray characters with these disabilities in fiction.
As such, I’ve compiled the resources I’ve accumulated (from real life deaf, mute, or blind people) into a handy masterlist.
Deaf Characters:
Deaf characters masterpost
Deaf dialogue thread
Dialogue with signing characters (also applies to mute characters.)
A deaf author’s advice on deaf characters
Dialogue between deaf characters
Mute Characters
Life as a Mute
My Silent Summer: Life as a Mute
What It’s Like Being Mute
21 People Reveal What It’s Really Like To Be Mute
I am a 20 year old Mute, ask me anything at all!
Blind Characters:
The 33 Worst Mistakes Writers Make About Blind Characters.
@referenceforwriters masterpost of resources for writing/playing blind characters.
The youtube channel of the wonderful Tommy Edison, a man blind from birth with great insight into the depiction of blind people and their lives.
An Absolute Write thread on the depiction of blind characters, with lots of different viewpoints and some great tips.
And finally, this short, handy masterpost of resources for writing blind characters.
Characters Who Are Blind in One Eye
4 Ways Life Looks Shockingly Different With One Eye
Learning to Live With One Eye
Adapting to the Loss of an Eye
Adapting to Eye Loss and Monocular Vision
Monocular Depth Perception
Deaf-Blind Characters
What Is It Like To Be Deafblind?
Going Deaf and Blind in a City of Noise and Lights
Deaf and Blind by 30
Sarita is Blind, Deaf, and Employed (video)
Born Deaf and Blind, This Eritrean American Graduated Harvard Law School (video)
A Day of a Deaf Blind Person
Lesser Known Things About Being Deafblind
How the Deaf-Blind Communicate
Early Interactions With Children Who Are Deaf-Blind
Raising a DeafBlind Baby
If you have any more resources to add, let me know! I’ll be adding to this post as I find more resources.
I hope this helps, and happy writing! <3
Like this if you either or both are blind/low vision, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, neurodivergent, disabled, chronically ill, has a rare disability, apart of ROYGBIV crew, introverted, or you are awesome!!!
hey game devs if you're gonna have a lore intro at the beginning of a new game you should turn on subtitles OR let people turn them on themselves. that was a cool looking 2 minute cutscene and all but i have no idea what was said, i'm not starting a new game to see it again, and i'm actually pretty annoyed i had to sit through 2 minutes of, to me, nonsense
HELL YA! My favorite K-pop group Stray Kids had one of my biases, Lee Felix, do their “Chk Chk Boom Dance Challenge” with a member of the recently debuted hard-of-hearing K-pop group called Big Ocean’s member, Jiseok!
Talk about feeling a ton of feelings! I am so happy for Big Ocean! They recently did a performance on a popular Korean Music show too! 💜💜💜
I’m HOH and this is literally so exciting to me. I wish Deaf history and ASL were prioritized even a little bit in education here
https://www.solterrawaycottageschool.com/post/sign-language-on-abraham-lincoln-s-hands-don-t-ask-the-lincoln-memorial-park-rangers
Happy disability pride month to those:
Happy disability pride month to those who didn’t realize they were in pain till later in life
Happy disability pride month to those who conditions are rare
Happy disability pride month to those who have invisible illnesses/disabilities
Happy disability pride month to those who have visible illnesses/disabilities
Happy disability pride month to those who weren’t disabled until later in life
Happy disability pride month to those who were disabled early in life
Happy disability pride month to underrepresented disabilities
Happy disability pride month to every disabled person!!
I, a hearing person who likes subtitles just as a preference, shouldn't have to read a subtitle that's obvious nonsense, go back a couple seconds, and listen again in order to figure out what's going on. An accessibility feature should not be the most half-assed part of a professionally made production. Scripted media has absolutely no excuse for not having subtitles or having subtitles that aren't perfectly verbatim. Professional captioning services should be ashamed of the shoddy work that they put out. Captions should be treated as a part of the production, just like filming, editing, audio balancing, etc - and anything that releases with missing or bad captions should be seen as unfinished
I’ve never seen ASL in an animation online before 😭
My deaf spider OC, Marisol, isn't impressed by Mr. O'Hara
As someone who is hard of hearing the absolute inadequacy of artists to put up captions on music videos is infuriating
Especially when these artists usually have more than enough time, money and technology available to them to do so
It isn’t just an issue for people that experience hearing problems, it’s for everyone that struggles to understand English or needs more time to process words at different speeds or literally just likes having them as background text, having them written down as you go is so helpful
So I'm finally wearing my hearing aids so here is a running list of things I forgot made noise.
Brushing my hair
Light bulbs
Fabric
The fridge
The house
Leaves
Outside
Bread
Cabinet doors opening/closing
The toaster as it toasts
*spreading butter on bread*
Dishes being set on tables/counters
Fans are a LOT louder than I remember them being
I cannot stress this enough, if you are sad go listen to toast and how it interacts with EVERYTHING 18/10 I love it