The World Day of the Deaf is celebrated this year on September 25, and September also marks Deaf Awareness Month. Students enrolled in the ESC's deaf and hard of hearing program at Upper Arlington High School prepared this list of questions, and responses, that they commonly receive.

Is there a Deaf program in Upper Arlington?
Yes! There has been an ESC K-12 Deaf program housed in UA schools since 2003. Deaf students come from various districts.

What are the appropriate words to use to describe a deaf person?
Deaf or hard of hearing — NOT hearing impaired

"The deaf and hard of hearing community is diverse.  There are variations in how a person becomes deaf or hard of hearing, level of hearing,  age of onset, educational background, communication methods, and cultural identity.  How people “label” or identify themselves is personal and may reflect identification with the deaf and hard of hearing community, the degree to which they can hear, or the relative age of onset." — National Association of the Deaf

Can deaf people drive?
Yes, deaf people can drive and do so as safely as hearing drivers.

I. King Jordan, Gallaudet University's first Deaf president, famously declared in 1988 that “Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do except hear."

Can all deaf people lip-read?
No. According to the National Deaf Children's Society, it is estimated that only 30% to 40% of speech sounds can be lip-read under the BEST conditions, and extra information is usually required to understand what is being said.

Can deaf people talk?
Deaf people are not mute. Some deaf people speak very well, while others chose not to because of their degree of deafness and/or comfort level.

Do all deaf people wear hearing aids or cochlear implants?
Some do and some don't. It is an individual choice to wear hearing aids or cochlear implants, or no device at all.

How can I talk to my deaf/hard of hearing classmates?
When you want to get their attention, tap them gently on the shoulder.
Make eye contact.
Face the deaf person.
Smile, wave hello as you would to anyone.
For deaf people who use sign language, use a paper and a pen, or text to communicate.
For deaf people who use spoken language, face them, speak clearly at a normal pace, and keep your background noise minimal.

Try your best!