Overview of Audism

Definitions

Audism

Audism is a negative attitude or outward prejudice toward Deaf and hard of hearing people. It is a form of discrimination which is expressed as unwillingness to accommodate people who cannot hear, or who cannot hear well enough to distinguish speech. Another aspect of audism is believing that hearing people and hearing culture are superior to others. The term audism was coined in 1975 by Tom Humphries, though took several years to catch on.

Audist

People with attitudes or views that oppress Deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, and Deafblind people are called audists. If using the term, consider the intent or motivation behind the behavior and state “that attitude is audist” versus “you are an audist.”

Audism Examples

Not taking time or using accommodations to communicate: Taking the time to repeat or clarify should be the norm, not a reason to stop communicating. Not signing in the presence of Deaf and hard-of- hearing persons. not providing an interpreter, and not captioning videos are also examples.

Assumptions: Hearing people often make false assumptions about what Deaf,

hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, and Deafblind persons can or cannot not do. For many, there are no barriers to doing activities such as driving, going to college, or having families.

Thinking of being Deaf as tragic: Many hearing people have a misconception that deafness is a tragedy, when in fact, many Deaf and hard of hearing people who grew up with hearing loss feel (Deaf) pride and realize there are Deaf gains (benefits). (It is worth noting that people who lose their hearing do grieve over their hearing loss.)

Patronizing behavior: Hearing people may patronize Deaf and hard-of-hearing acquaintances by saying something along the lines of “You speak so well for being Deaf” or using fake sign language to be funny. They may also communicate for the Deaf person, e.g. when ordering meals or checking in, when not asked to do so.

Employment discrimination: Deaf and hard-of-hearing people often confront barriers to employment because of communication concerns, though there are protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Simply asking what communication methods are needed should resolve such concerns and is required by disability accommodation laws. The Job Accommodations Network offers many resources and ideas.

Intersectionality: Prejudice and/or discrimination of deafness or other forms of disabilities overlap with other social identities, such as race, gender, age, and class. Simply, it’s additional “isms” people face (for more on this, and parallels to other conditions, see the Anti-ableism Toolkit at the Disability Ministries Committee website).

Audism in the Church Examples

Deciding communication methods: Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and late-deafened people may share the commonality of hearing loss, but the preferred communication method may be different. Not asking about preferences is a form of audism, by using privilege to decide for someone else. Some may prefer the use of an interpreter, others the use of captions, others assisted listening devices, and still others all three.

Leadership discrimination: A common example of audism occurs when Deaf,

hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, and Deafblind persons are not seen in leadership or servant positions. When they’re not invited, it is likely due to audist assumptions that the person is unable to do the work. Many Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and Deafblind people serve in a variety of positions, such as treasurers, ushers, liturgists (including signing the Lord’s Prayer), as greeters, and on church committees. Sometimes they serve independently, sometimes they may partner with a hearing person.

Limiting congregational participation: Providing a sign language interpreter for worship is quite often helpful for many Deaf and hard-of-hearing parishioners. However, for furthering one’s discipleship, communication accommodations are needed in other parts of one’s church life. Communication accessibility should be offered for all activities.

Absent hospitality: It's important that Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons form relationships beyond the sign language interpreter. If hearing members are unwilling to learn enough basic sign language to hold conversations, this is another example of audism, and reflects partial instead of full inclusion. Having some of the congregation learn sign language is ideal. Deaf etiquette also includes avoiding outdated terms such as "hearing impaired." Another point of etiquette is to speak directly to the Deaf person, not the interpreter. Avoid requesting the interpreter to “ask her or let him know…”

Equality: there is often a lack of representation and inclusivity in handing accommodations. Hearing privilege often dominates social venues including church settings. Examples of representation and inclusivity include sharing announcements pertaining to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, Deaf-related sermon illustrations, signed

choir songs, Deaf and hard of hearing leaders, and Deaf and hard-of-hearing guest speakers or preachers.

Intersectionality in audism and ableism: while audism is specific to Deaf,

hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, and Deafblind persons, ableism is discrimination towards persons with disabilities. Some Deaf people, sometimes referred to as Deaf+, have one or more disabilities. Not having wheelchair ramps, handrails, large print bulletins, and/or banning fragrances (for persons with allergies and sensitivities) are just a few of the barriers that some Deaf persons with other disabilities face.

Assumptions: Many Deaf and hard-of-hearing people do NOT view their deafness as a disability, nor do they see it as a punishment or result of sin. Be aware that such bad theology still shows up in congregations and be prepared to address it.

Going on to Perfection

Periodic surveys and audits can be helpful as people and congregations strive to first reduce and then eliminate audism and ableism. A Deaf ministry or disability ministry committee, or board of trustees can be responsible for completing the following:

Breaking the Sound Barrier (includes a hard-of-hearing and late-deafened accessibility audit)

<https://www.umdeaf.org/download/breaking.pdf>

Annual accessibility audit for United Methodist churches (general audit of access for persons with various disabilities)

https://www.umcdmc.org/resources-accessibility-accommodations