Deaf Culture
In the United States there are approximately 36 million individuals with who have hearing loss to some degree and of these, and an estimated 500,000 are culturally Deaf and part of the Deaf community (Fileccia, 2011). Deaf, with a capital D refer to individuals who consider themselves part of the Deaf community culturally, whereas deaf refers to a condition in which one lacks the ability to hear. Deaf culture is similar to any other culture in that it can be characterized by certain elements that might make up any other cultural community. These would include area such as a shared language (American Sign Language [ASL]), awareness of cultural identity (Deaf), behavioral patterns and norms, cultural artifacts, marital patterns …show more content…
Within the community there is a clear distinction made between audiological deafness and sociocultural deafness. Audiologic deafness is what some in the deaf community refer to themselves as. These individuals do not participate in the Deaf culture and sometimes think of themselves as better than the signing Deaf (Stebnicki & Coeling, 1999). There is a sign in ASL that demeans a Deaf person who tries to thinks like a hearing person; the term is similar to “Uncle Tom” towards an African American. Children of Deaf parents who grow up signing with ASL as their first language could be considered members of the Deaf culture (Reagan, 1995). Deaf individuals view deafness not as a medical problem but more as a barrier to communication. The Deaf culture offers a sense of belonging and sense of identity for deaf individuals (Stebnicki & Coeling, 1999). …show more content…
“Provision 1: The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person (ANA, 2015, p. 1). In this provision, nurses are expected to have a respect for dignity and care transcends all differences, this includes cultural. It also states that nurses should build trusting relationships with patients and by being attuned to the healthcare needs specifically for Deaf, positive, meaningful relationships are possible. By taking time to build relationships with Deaf patients, and presenting information to them that is understandable in their language, it better affords them the right to self-determination (p.
In the United States there are approximately 36 million individuals with who have hearing loss to some degree and of these, and an estimated 500,000 are culturally Deaf and part of the Deaf community (Fileccia, 2011). Deaf, with a capital D refer to individuals who consider themselves part of the Deaf community culturally, whereas deaf refers to a condition in which one lacks the ability to hear. Deaf culture is similar to any other culture in that it can be characterized by certain elements that might make up any other cultural community. These would include area such as a shared language (American Sign Language [ASL]), awareness of cultural identity (Deaf), behavioral patterns and norms, cultural artifacts, marital patterns …show more content…
Within the community there is a clear distinction made between audiological deafness and sociocultural deafness. Audiologic deafness is what some in the deaf community refer to themselves as. These individuals do not participate in the Deaf culture and sometimes think of themselves as better than the signing Deaf (Stebnicki & Coeling, 1999). There is a sign in ASL that demeans a Deaf person who tries to thinks like a hearing person; the term is similar to “Uncle Tom” towards an African American. Children of Deaf parents who grow up signing with ASL as their first language could be considered members of the Deaf culture (Reagan, 1995). Deaf individuals view deafness not as a medical problem but more as a barrier to communication. The Deaf culture offers a sense of belonging and sense of identity for deaf individuals (Stebnicki & Coeling, 1999). …show more content…
“Provision 1: The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person (ANA, 2015, p. 1). In this provision, nurses are expected to have a respect for dignity and care transcends all differences, this includes cultural. It also states that nurses should build trusting relationships with patients and by being attuned to the healthcare needs specifically for Deaf, positive, meaningful relationships are possible. By taking time to build relationships with Deaf patients, and presenting information to them that is understandable in their language, it better affords them the right to self-determination (p.