Deaf Dad going through TSA

😂😂😂

#deaf #deafdad #deafcommunity #deafawareness #tsa #travel #joke #jokeoftheday #asl #signlanguage #signing #sign #signwithme #deafdad #deafandhearing

[Gimpygladiator]

I wear a lanyard when I travel via plane that says "not rude, just Deaf" and they get it RIGHT AWAY. No nodding to questions they think I can understand, and no explaining or arguing, just a lot of gestures and basics, esp behind masks!

[oliviaswarden]

I can't blame you even as hearing it's stressful going through the TSA lines but as deaf it's even harder!

[kendalk.]

Not to mention that sometimes they're YELLING at you NOT to remove your belt or shoes, and insubordinance is seen as an immediate threat...

[MM-yhmi]

Do you know about the hidden disabilities sunflower lanyard? They are recognized at many airports and some other locations. You can get a card that goes on the lanyard with your picture and symbols for the type of support you need (sign language, braille, more time, more space, etc.). It has been a life saver for my daughter when we travel. Especially with TSA.

Also, contacting TSA in advance and requesting a passenger support specialist is a huge help. Someone will meet you at security or the airline checking area and guide you through the security process. Again, it has been a huge help in reducing our stress during travel.

You can also request to have a code put on your reservation to let the pilot and flight attendants know you need accommodations during the flight or ordering meals, emergency information, etc.

All of these accommodations have helped our travel go much smoother. Hope that helps.

[well....]

I love your sense of humor 😅.
Nodding to "Sir, do you have a knife?"

[deenadamico]

I love Zach's sense of humor! He's comical and entertaining as a storyteller while bringing awareness to an important matter I hadn't thought of before. I learn so much from you guys in an enlightening and light-hearted way.

[CarmenChordCshorty]

That's why when my hearing aids are off I'll just stare blankley and if they continue to talk ill sign and if they still talking I point to my ear and shake my head.

[ellerj]

I'm deaf and I'm scared with any type of security. I have been screamed at, chased down, and have had plenty of angry security people at me. They're usually pissed I can't hear them. Even when they know I'm deaf. I do the best I can to stay out of trouble, but it unfortunately happens. It also makes it even scarier when you know deaf people have been assaulted and even killed for not hearing someone and the person just automatically assumes they're a threat.

[ThingDadaThingKiki]

My cousin made business cards when her girls were young & traveling back & forth from home to their school for the deaf in St. Louis that explained they were deaf etc. Those Lil cards really helped.

[PeachRoss]

Dont be scared. You are very beave and courageous for sharing. Im going to make it a point for me and my son to take some signing class.. thanks !!! Knowledge is powerful

[EPerry-jc]

Tap your ear and we'll get it unless we're super new. Super fancy new x-rays don't even need your computer out. They're just asking if you emptied you pockets and about water/oversized liquids. That's what people forget all day every day. I still mask up but I'll take it down on the off chance it'll help someone. TSA can't arrest you, and even if you said you had one of those things, that would just be your chance to go put it in your car or checked bag. TSA can't even tell necessarily whether someone's deaf or is hearing but without any English, but lots of smiling and bidding is a common sign of a language barrier. You're fine. In the bottom of a drawer somewhere they have a language access binder. I think it includes sign, but I find exaggeratingly patting pockets down and miming drinking and pointing to shoes works for 99.99% of people. Some officers aren't very clear when helping vision impaired even though they're trying. "this way" instead of measurements and directions.

[Dutch_chess]

As a person who wears a lanyard for keys, you should get something that says you are deaf. If I ever have a child or family member with a disability, I'd get them something like that.

[nicoleharalson]

TSA is scary as a hearing person so I can imagine it's much scarier when you are deaf! I love these videos! I try to not look at the captions as much as possible to test my receptive skills haha.

[ASMRKay_]

Here me out: wear am “im deaf” hat and point at it when you walk up to TSA. I feel like I would get the memo

[KJ]

That is a valid concern. As a hearing person from my personal experience, I've never been asked if I have any weapons or drugs, etc. while going through TSA, thankfully.

But if there is a TSA agent directly speaking to you and asking you questions, then I would agree with you to have an interpreter or someway to know what the TSA agent is asking.

Love the content on here by the way! ty for sharing your perspective on life as a deaf person and living in a mixed hearing/deaf household. Wish you and the family all the best!

[mancedeline]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 that is funny love your sense of humor

[pamelabye]

Don't just say yes. You can gesture that you can't hear. Then they will understand. I have a deaf mother and foir older brothers who are also deaf.

[jenguerinnn]

I'm 90% dead and also autistic and TSA is terrifying. I answered a question wrong because I couldn't focus or hear properly and they took me into secondary screening and when I tried to explain they got worse. Strip search, the whole thing. Resulting in missing the flight and being stuck at the airport this just happened at for 18 hours until the next available flight. Never felt more alone/scared because I was so worried they'd come back and take me in again even though I did nothing wrong but they have the authority to do so

[Book.Squirrel]

Airports are stressful! If you’re able to inform the TSA so they’re aware, they’ll do their best to communicate with you! They’re given some training on guidelines for interacting with passengers with varying disabilities. Some airlines offer assistance services for their passengers with special visual, hearing, and mobility needs. Others allow passengers to bring someone with them for assistance navigating through the airport and to their gate, using a Gate Pass. Best of luck with your future travels ✈️

[manson]

Hey new friends! I can hear and I TOO, am afraid of going through TSA! 😂