deafbajagal
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- Nov 6, 2007
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I'm really curious about something. For those of you are learned (or is learning) ASL (or any signing system) at a later time (especially late teen years or adulthood), did you find (are finding that) the deaf community (is) accepting and welcoming? Did you find (are finding) the support you need/needed to learn ASL and to be immersed in the language and culture?
The reason I'm asking this is because there's this nice deaf lady who is finally coming out of her shell and is wanting to learn ASL. She was "oral" all her life, and she's profoundly deaf. I was a little appalled to see that some of the deaf folks in the community (where I live is a strong Deaf community) and at the deaf club are not really patient with her, are rude, and leave her out. Of course, I took her under my wing and she's starting to do some mini-lessons with me. I try to include her in some of the deaf outings I attend, etc. But I'm wondering...is this the attitude of many deaf communities overall?
Looking back, I remember that the deaf community wasn't really welcoming to me when I started to try to be more involved in it. It took years before I finally felt a part of it, and even then, I still feel like an outsider at times.
Thoughts?
The reason I'm asking this is because there's this nice deaf lady who is finally coming out of her shell and is wanting to learn ASL. She was "oral" all her life, and she's profoundly deaf. I was a little appalled to see that some of the deaf folks in the community (where I live is a strong Deaf community) and at the deaf club are not really patient with her, are rude, and leave her out. Of course, I took her under my wing and she's starting to do some mini-lessons with me. I try to include her in some of the deaf outings I attend, etc. But I'm wondering...is this the attitude of many deaf communities overall?
Looking back, I remember that the deaf community wasn't really welcoming to me when I started to try to be more involved in it. It took years before I finally felt a part of it, and even then, I still feel like an outsider at times.
Thoughts?