Just want to share an article I wrote for BYU's The Universe that gives a short snippet of Deaf culture:
Provo, UT– On the top floor of BYU’s Tanner Building, students' wandering eyes peer through windows overlooking the valley, gaze at other students' pesky habits, or focus on the lecturing professor. But in one class held in this room, a student’s eyes are fixed on an interpreter whose hands and body movement communicate the same message of the professor. Ben Daniel is majoring in Facility and Property Management with a minor in Business Management and uses an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter in class because he is Deaf.
Daniel, 23, was born deaf but his parents didn’t know of his hearing loss until he was two years old. He grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, CA but moved to Provo with his family when he was in high school. He now calls Provo home.
One of just a few Deaf students on BYU campus, Daniel explains what it’s like to be a Deaf student, “Many professors and classmates have told me I am the first Deaf student they have ever had in their classes.” He says this happened once in a class of 100 students when, “One teacher kept announcing in class how special it was to have a "challenged" student in class and what a wonderful example it is to see someone overcome challenges and succeed.” However, Daniel also says that while often teachers will be really awkward for the first couple weeks, they usually get used to it, and then he feels like any other student. “I like how I don't really get any special treatment here.”
A common misconception people have about Daniel’s Deafness is that he will have limited options for the rest of his life or that he is impossible to communicate with if there is no interpreter present. Daniel says that, “Many people don't realize Deaf people can communicate in ways other than only ASL. I actually use my voice and lip-reading and hearing aids in non-classroom settings more than I use interpreters.”
Daniel works at BYU’s Office of Information Technology as a computer programmer. Daniel also works for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a translator. Post graduation Daniel plans to start his own real estate investment business as a certified Property Manager and Real Estate agent, buying, selling, maintaining, repairing, and managing different residential properties.
When asked If he could offer any advice to the BYU community about Deafness, Daniel shared his thoughts about how to interact with Deaf students. He says, “Don't make a big deal out of it. Just be yourself. We usually don't bite. If there's an interpreter, ignore the interpreter. Pretend there is no interpreter. Talk directly to the Deaf person. And be patient with us! We're patient with you, so return the favor.”
Daniel says something that would make BYU more deaf friendly would be to add subtitles on all BYU produced videos. He also comments about he would appreciate training for all employees, especially receptionists, on interacting with Deaf students.
Provo, UT– On the top floor of BYU’s Tanner Building, students' wandering eyes peer through windows overlooking the valley, gaze at other students' pesky habits, or focus on the lecturing professor. But in one class held in this room, a student’s eyes are fixed on an interpreter whose hands and body movement communicate the same message of the professor. Ben Daniel is majoring in Facility and Property Management with a minor in Business Management and uses an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter in class because he is Deaf.
Daniel, 23, was born deaf but his parents didn’t know of his hearing loss until he was two years old. He grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, CA but moved to Provo with his family when he was in high school. He now calls Provo home.
One of just a few Deaf students on BYU campus, Daniel explains what it’s like to be a Deaf student, “Many professors and classmates have told me I am the first Deaf student they have ever had in their classes.” He says this happened once in a class of 100 students when, “One teacher kept announcing in class how special it was to have a "challenged" student in class and what a wonderful example it is to see someone overcome challenges and succeed.” However, Daniel also says that while often teachers will be really awkward for the first couple weeks, they usually get used to it, and then he feels like any other student. “I like how I don't really get any special treatment here.”
A common misconception people have about Daniel’s Deafness is that he will have limited options for the rest of his life or that he is impossible to communicate with if there is no interpreter present. Daniel says that, “Many people don't realize Deaf people can communicate in ways other than only ASL. I actually use my voice and lip-reading and hearing aids in non-classroom settings more than I use interpreters.”
Daniel works at BYU’s Office of Information Technology as a computer programmer. Daniel also works for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a translator. Post graduation Daniel plans to start his own real estate investment business as a certified Property Manager and Real Estate agent, buying, selling, maintaining, repairing, and managing different residential properties.
When asked If he could offer any advice to the BYU community about Deafness, Daniel shared his thoughts about how to interact with Deaf students. He says, “Don't make a big deal out of it. Just be yourself. We usually don't bite. If there's an interpreter, ignore the interpreter. Pretend there is no interpreter. Talk directly to the Deaf person. And be patient with us! We're patient with you, so return the favor.”
Daniel says something that would make BYU more deaf friendly would be to add subtitles on all BYU produced videos. He also comments about he would appreciate training for all employees, especially receptionists, on interacting with Deaf students.
