Audism: Understanding Its Meaning and Implications in the Deaf Community

You've heard of sexism, racism, anti-Semitism... How about audism? Audism is discrimination based on the ability or inability to hear. Students met members of the local Deaf community, who shared their encounters with audism, and their experiences growing up Deaf in a hearing world. Johanna Larson, University of Oregon, American Sign Language Instructor, moderated a screening of the documentary film, Audism Unveiled, and a panel discussion hosting members of our local Deaf community, who shared their encounters with audism, and their experiences growing up Deaf in a hearing world. The film and discussion facilitated an examination of the rich and complex identities of Deaf Culture through "real life experiences from Deaf people of varied social, racial, and educational backgrounds-showing how audism does lasting and harmful damage." The event also included live transcription for the signing impaired.