What NOT to Say to a Deaf Person | ASL

Hey Signers! I’m Sarah. I'm Deaf and teach ASL to hearing students at a High School. You can imagine the types of things I hear (scratch that) SEE when interactiving with my students. In this video, I'll cover common mistakes people make when talking to Deaf individuals. Learn what not to say and why certain phrases can be offensive or insensitive. From misconceptions about Deaf abilities to inappropriate questions, we'll guide you on how to communicate respectfully.

*More From LHTS*

*NAVIGATION*
0:00 - Intro
0:22 - "You don't look Deaf"
0:43 - "I know some signs, but they are not appropriate"
1:00 - "How do you drive a car?"
1:30 - "Are you Deaf because your parents are Deaf?"
1:51 - "Can you speak normally?"
2:15 - "Can you read lips?"
2:43 - "I'm sorry. That must be tough"
3:03 - "Are your other senses heightened?"
3:45 - "Do you have to have subtitles on?"
4:14 - "I couldn't live without music"
4:52 - Encouragement

#asl #deaf #learnasl #learnhowtosign

[triciadavis]

Thank you for explaining everything. I totally understand your frustration of some people who don’t understand what we go through everyday. I am deaf in on ear and very hard of hearing in the other and declining pretty rapidly. I had to learn to read lips my self. Always sitting in the front row in my classes at school. People would always assume that I was being a stuck up girl. But the fact was I didn’t hear what they said. My parents never took me to learn ASL. I am. Learn more signs everyday. I would so love to meet others who are deaf.

[josiesowers]

Love this! Well done! Would love to see more videos like this from Sarah. Love the balance of her funny, sassy responses to these questions and at the same time sweetly teaching about Deaf Culture and etiquette.

[Maria-ixup]

I’ve been studying ASL online for one year now and I would LOVE to go to a deaf social but I’m so afraid that I will make them feel frustrated with my lack of understanding, poor signing, etc. I don’t know when or where to start! But it’s good to know this, for the future!

[seananderson]

My wife and I are learning to sign because we have a newborn baby in the house and don't want to wake her. It's expanded our understanding what deaf people have to overcome and, to some extent, their lifestyle. Makes us appreciate it on a new level.

[debraruge]

Love your expressions, especially when tossing the question away.

[AzDesertFoxx]

I work with several deaf people, which is why I'm learning to sign (still!). In all of my conversations, I have NEVER asked them these crazy questions! When I'm asked if my family is deaf (a typical question), I will then ask the same of them! I just hope deaf people forgive our ignorance and help us do better. Great video.

[gardeniagirl]

SARAH HILARIOUS! I laughed after you threw the first question on the floor! Your "big ears" reply is funny! It's important to make the process of educating people a fun one so they will stay engaged in it✌🏼

[luckeelaydee]

Thank you!
I am learning ASL and I will be less likely to say or sign a dumb question. And, you already answered a couple I had so I don't need to ask other deaf people. Great video!

[Nerukenshi]

By asking the question, theyre not assuming. They are, in fact, actively seeking information*instead* of assuming.

[janageeslin]

My sister is deaf but she learned to read lips so well that I did not learn as much as I should have as a hearie. When my grandson was born with a hearing issue she suggested sign language . It has been a process that has truly enriched the whole family, and my younger kids feel like they are speaking a secret language around hearing people and truly enjoy when another person, hearing or deaf, joins in

[nerysghemor]

Captions and subtitles can be nice for hearing people too! First time I REALLY saw that in force was in the 90s in high school when I had a seat in the back of the room and the teacher played an especially crappy VHS tape. ALL of us in the back threw a riot and got her to turn the captions on. None of us were deaf. We just figured out how nice they are! 👍

[WallyngroveMinistries]

Thank you for making this video. I can understand how annoying and frustrating some of these questions are, and so much of the population is under educated about the deaf culture.

That being said, this was wildly entertaining. I needed it. Keep up the good work!

[bdb]

When it comes to driving Sarah is spot on. As A Driving Instructor (hearing) each year I teach several students that range from hearing impaired corrected with a hearing aid up to and including completely deaf people how to drive. I will tell you without a doubt their observation skills are near flawless. I only have to tell them once or twice to pay attention.

[lifebloodcore]

I do video essays on my channel and I always make sure to add in accurate captions as soon as or shortly after I upload for anyone who needs them for any reason. I think all channels and creators should make a similar effort, especially if they’re full-time. I only do this as a hobby and I always find time for captioning.

[barbbraendlein]

I loved this! Sarah, I love when you pop into the videos! You're amazing!

I loved your answers, and your reactions! You have a wonderful sense of humor! I loved your answer to the whole music question. I had wondered how a deaf person could hear and sing along to hymns in church, but you explained it perfectly! Thank you for answering our questions, so that we don't have to be the awkward, offensive person in the conversation!🤣

[babysignsbytinac]

Love this Sarah! Meredith was right. The editing made it perfect. Love your answers. Can't believe people ask some of these questions!

[tamara_fun-confidence-coach]

So good!!! Honestly, some of them are really good ones, ones we could definitely find ourselves asking...!
Thank you, always AMAZING videos!!! :)

[mustanggarland]

I really enjoyed this🎉 I love learning ASL

[SweetHoneycode]

I use Live Captions on my phone in certain circumstances. Yes subtitles!

[percent]

Thank you Sarah. You answered some questions I was wondering about.