A Deaf Person's Experience During the Holidays | Deaf and Hearing Couple

[@jerusalem4492]

Love how he said he married you to be his wife not his interpreter. So sweet! Haha

[@OurSignedWorld]

:) right!

[@joymechell277]

I'm in the process of learning sign language but it's hard for me to keep up with it when I gave no one to practice with and no real classes . Everytime I see one of your vids I get inspired to try even harder . Hopefully I stick with it because it looks beautiful. I love that this didn't create a barrier between you , instead it looks like it brought you closer . Such a beautiful , inspirational couple 💕

[@OurSignedWorld]

You can do it! Don’t give up:)

[@tylerburch7954]

getting involved in the Deaf community REALLY helps!! good luck :)

[@chloehey1858]

Finds some deaf events in your town! Deaf Starbucks is wonderful

[@rwxox]

Also change the video speed to 0.75 to see the hand movements more slowly!

[@jacobrichmond5190]

Dude honestly, I'm taking sign classes, but I stress about the signing being too slow, and I get too nervous around deaf people to acrually try to sign(I work at a gas station, and deaf people come in often). But this gives me such a good idea kf ehat real signing looks like that I feel so much better about interpreting on the fly. Good stuff!

[@ililnavehbenjamin]

That’s so lovely to see your nephew learning to communicate with Zach in his own way by pointing at himself at the couch. And to later see him practice signs. It’s clear that he’s got the motivation and he’s driven to learn. He’s not being forced or cajoled into it; it’s purely from him. That’s what love and respect will do!

[@OurSignedWorld]

Aww that's very true. We love them so much!

[@J9Dalton]

This video is much similar to mine and my wife's. My wife is hearing and comes from a whole hearing family while on the other hand, I am deaf and comes from a deaf family. It was pretty frustrated in the first five years of our relationship because many of them do not know our struggles with the communication and they were "shy" or "uncertain" where to start. After years, my wife's parents have finally UNDERSTOOD and they decided to make a huge transformation during our holidays to make sure that everything is inclusive.

[@OurSignedWorld]

Yes exactly!!!

[@emmam.2926]

I love “That Deaf Guy”!! It is one of the only comics I stay updated on! I can’t believe that you guys know the authors, that’s crazy!

[@OurSignedWorld]

RIGHT! Its the best! They are great :)

[@BrittneyChristina]

"It's not working" 😩😂😂 so cute.

[@OurSignedWorld]

HAHAHAHA thanks for watching!

[@bobbieabbott]

I wish you guys did more videos I am always so happy to see when you put a video out.

[@OurSignedWorld]

We wish we could do more too! It’s a lot with full time jobs and being involved in the community, we are sorry

[@oakleemckall4404]

You guys are such a cute couple! I love watching both of you sign, and you’re both very funny!

[@OurSignedWorld]

aw thank you! :D

[@chelsey8737]

OMG THOSE KIDS ARE SO CUUUUTE. I love that to be thrown on the coach he points! Kids are so smart they will figure it out

[@OurSignedWorld]

🥰🥰🥰

[@wolfellady]

I love to watch your videos! My husband of 29 years is hearing and I'm deaf. Similar experiences.. Thank you for sharing!!

[@OurSignedWorld]

Aww thanks for sharing!

[@mommylovezgigi]

I love you guys !! I started learning sign language in HS and I totally fell in love with it, I had a few people I could practice with at the time but once I graduated we all went our separate ways. It never changed my love for it though. So instead I watch music videos interpreted into ASL and Vlogs like yours. My 10 year old loves it and now she wants to learn. You guys are amazing!

[@OurSignedWorld]

Awww I love that now your child loves it!:)

[@peacelove38]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm deaf, I tend to go see my family during Christmas holidays. As for Thanksgiving holidays, I stay home and spend time with my friends. Again, thanks!

[@OurSignedWorld]

Yeah we noticed many stay with friends for thanksgiving

[@mikesake1815]

Wow! Thank you guys for showing us how your Thanksgiving was from a Deaf and hearing perspective...really do appreciate the time you guys took to make this video!

[@OurSignedWorld]

Aww thanks for that! You’re welcome

[@alexisbh4988]

so happy to see this video pop up in my feed! i love watching you guys sign😊 it’s such a beautiful language and I learn a few more signs with every vlog!!

[@OurSignedWorld]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@alexandrakuvalanka5528]

I am so excited to try the AVA app now with my family. My husband is deaf and I'm always wishing there was a better way to include him during family hang outs. I've only been learning ASL for about a year and half but only really started getting the hang of it when we moved in together 5 months ago. I still have a lonnnggg way to go so this is great thank you so much for sharing!

[@OurSignedWorld]

Of course! Its not Perfect, especially if everyone is talking at the same time, but it does help at times! :)

[@DannyRenstrom]

As always... WONDERFUL VIDEO! I especially love the clips from each of your family dinners. more of that, please? Keep on vlogging!

[@OurSignedWorld]

THANKS!

[@MeggZ91]

By the way those kids are so precious thanks for sharing wonderful family with all us.happy holidays:))

[@OurSignedWorld]

Of course! You too!

[@julesigns815]

My eyes literally lit up when I saw your video posted! Thanks for uploading them!! I always love watching them! Merry Christmas to you and yours 😊

[@OurSignedWorld]

Aww so glad! Hope you enjoy your holidays too!

[@conflictpersona8]

Watching this video made me so emotional esp zach's family 😍😍😍😍 thank you for sharing and courtney's fam with the app this is so beautiful. The comic book sounds interesting

[@OurSignedWorld]

Of course! Thanks for watching :) yeah it is interesting we love that book

[@DEAFCOUNSELING]

Thank you for sharing your story. DCC has been collecting stories from Deaf people about holidays with hearing families.

[@OurSignedWorld]

Wonderful :) Glad we can help!

[@Rootscogoogleads]

LOVE your videos! Thank you for sharing your lives with us.

[@OurSignedWorld]

Of course!

[@Kelpriz]

I'm always so excited to watch your videos and learn more about your experiences and about the Deaf community. Sadly, my area, Las Vegas, doesn't have much of a community and I wish there were more opportunities for me to be involved and to learn more ASL. But your videos always inspire to keep trying to expand upon my ASL knowledge and keep being involved in the community the best I can! You guys are awesome!

[@OurSignedWorld]

Aww thanks for watching :)

[@MannTayla]

Hey I get drained during holidays with all the chatter too haha definitely just a being around a lot of poeple thing haha

[@danniellatimoteo1511]

I love That Deaf Guy! I had no idea she was your co-worker! That's so crazy haha

[@OurSignedWorld]

Yeah she’s great!

[@chaundrawilliams6954]

I would love to get this book. Can you post info on how/where to get it?

[@jonmichealjonhiltontrumpgo2045]

A little late but God bless all of the families, that form the best in communications with others, and with me being able too see and and comment to a world of family's , I wish all the love to my family weather we her or not this is the only way I have to say I love my family , I work so I haven't had time to respond . To my loved ones that I know are waiting for me, not to get lost away from them and the kids ,seniors, youth. You probably have all kinda grown up, anyone going to college? Have a great evening ! Miss playing board games . And get to get hers at hearing centers, learning program workshops ,

[@OurSignedWorld]

Thanks for watching. Yes we both graduated from college

[@alliespeaks3561]

Thank you for this video! I live in the US and wish ASL had been a requirement! Personally I feel that hearing people forget to include the Deaf or Hoh into the conversation which in turn oppresses the individual and the culture. That's just my two cents, love your videos!

[@OurSignedWorld]

WE AGREE!

[@mariadelpilar2982]

I loved this video so much! Thank you for sharing your experience with us

[@OurSignedWorld]

Of course!! Yay I’m so happy you want to come to CSUN!!!:)

[@chloehey1858]

Aaghhh I would love to go to CSUN

[@OurSignedWorld]

COME!

[@andeesignsable]

Zach is a good guy. My hubby is deaf and family get together are tough. I feel bad if I don't interpret and AVA doesn't really work. My hubby also says I am good wife not his interpreter

[@OurSignedWorld]

Zach is a great guy!Aww I love that!

[@dtn22]

Thanks for the app guys Im hard of hearing and sometimes cant hear my hearing families and friends and starting to learn ASL. Never learn it when i was a child.

[@OurSignedWorld]

Oh, well I hope the app helps you :)

[@MeggZ91]

Yess when AVA 1st came out i download beta app and now use for EVERYTHING:))

[@OurSignedWorld]

OH COOL! :D

[@ResidentEvilBiohazard]

My husband and I are in the same boat. I have eaten plenty of cold meals while at family events because I interpret everything I hear. There was one holiday I barely ate because there was not enough silence for me to pick up my fork.

[@OurSignedWorld]

We totally get that!

[@jocelynbirkhimer2132]

Your channel is amazing!! I am so excited to have a way to stay connected to your journey. Hope all is well in your world!

[@OurSignedWorld]

AW your're so sweet. thank you!

[@donnaensman3089]

Good job Wonderful and happy for family together and understand . Good communication Thank God for everything . Four things ver important

[@OurSignedWorld]

You are so kind! thanks for watching

[@christinagross7244]

I really enjoyed this video your nephews are so cute

[@OurSignedWorld]

Aww thank you! Yeah I agree, their the cutest!

[@adiyaparistheservicepartyp625]

Hi. I love the new tech I did not about AVA. I am hard of hearing so this just might make Christmas more enjoyable! Thanks.

[@OurSignedWorld]

You'll have to try it! Its not perfect but its helpful.

[@shanesarson4994]

Oh my goodness they seem like a handful lol.

[@OurSignedWorld]

hahah we love them!

[@mils3868]

Thank you for your videos. This was great to see and learn about your experiences. Happy holidays to both of you and your families. Can you recommend any online sites for learning to sign? We don't have classes where I live.

[@OurSignedWorld]

You can look at Signwithheart youtube. They have some things online. Or ASLpro. or life signs however both of those are old and not the best rescources. My suggestion would be to learn the alphabet and then go to Deaf events and practice :)

[@mils3868]

@@OurSignedWorld Thank you for the advice. Time to jump on the sign train. I did some digging and found there is a Deaf Society in my city that have regular events.

[@OurSignedWorld]

GREAT!! :D that makes me so happy!

[@mils3868]

@@OurSignedWorld my son and I learnt some signs this morning. Today at his school assembly he presented. He signed good morning to his school and signed to me that he was excited. As a mum it made me cry. He can't wait to meet the deaf community, be part of and learn more. We are learning NZSL. Thanks for inspiring us as a family.

[@alyssa8984]

My teacher has a “that deaf guy” sticker that she has on her water bottle! Cool that your friends with the creators 😊

[@OurSignedWorld]

They are great! We don't know the husband, but we know the wife, well Courtney knows her :)

[@marigoldliquid419]

Thanks for the apps idea, i have a hard time following through group conversations

[@merandareed2085]

You guys are awesome

[@yourerightbro8807]

Happy Holidays 🎉💥🍾🍯🍻

[@OurSignedWorld]

You too!!!

[@jonmichealjonhiltontrumpgo2045]

Ya u tube can be pretty cool, it's even got , blockers in case it's mildly strong for those of us who choose , protect channel programing, best of all you can learn sign language and use it for learn channel programing, and other cool stuff

[@OurSignedWorld]

Thank you

[@whatgenderami]

Really enjoyed this video! One question I have which I imagine comes up a lot over holiday meals is how do you sign words that use both hands if only one of your hands is free (maybe the other is holding food or something)? I’m not sure how to word the question, but I have been wondering about it for a while. I know some ASL and this has always been a scenario that’s stumped me.

[@OurSignedWorld]

Good question, many signs can be understood with context, even if I am just signing with one hand. For example, if I am talking about cars, and I signed car with one hand most people would understand that I am talking about cars. :) But some signs really do need both hands haha :)

[@miskio2266]

i was into the video by about 2 mins when i realised it was ASL 😂 nothing made sense as i understand BSL lol but i love this video regardless

[@OurSignedWorld]

Thank you!

[@seldagrafity7569]

Zach's family looks like there are from the orient. Where is he from? Love you guys and god bless your beautiful family

[@mjgutierrez]

I believe he's part Lebanese

[@weavingrainbow9063]

Have you guys tried Live Transcribe? I have both apps.. I like Live Transcribe, but having trouble with it on my new phone. I'm trying AVA now, we'll see how it goes.

[@suzannehedderly1331]

At the end, you mentioned wondering where technology will go in the future. I would be interested to know how you feel about technology and it’s potential to influence or harm deaf culture...reducing the need to learn to sign and have a community. Do you feel ASL and deaf culture can survive the convenience technology brings?

[@OurSignedWorld]

It definitely has its pro's and con's. Even know when we think about social media and Facetime, that has had a huge impact in the Deaf community! It has allowed them to connect more frequently as hearing people but it has significantly reduced Deaf Clubs and the attendance to Deaf events. Those used to be packed with Deaf people because it was the only time they all had contact since they couldn't just call one another. Now a days, at many deaf gatherings, such as Deaf Starbucks. A lot of the people there are ASL students trying to learn sign language, but there are only a few Deaf people there. So pros and cons... We will see what happens

[@suzannehedderly1331]

OurSignedWorld Thank you for answering! I did see a video not long ago-a CODA Brothers satire-about Deaf clubs being mostly ASL students. I wonder if this technology will cause a divide between poor Deaf who can’t afford the gadgets and the Deaf who can. Thank you! I enjoyed this holiday video. Well done!

[@theotherwalt]

You need to put links to the app in the description. I use Google's Live Transcribe, but it doesn't recognize different voices. What is the name of the app? AVA does not show up in the Play Store.

[@jamesreale4304]

AVA apps limit 45 mins. But still not enough.

[@donnaensman3089]

Need together both deaf and hearing and tell us true stories . Thank God for everything are good four things important Joy. , Faith. , Hope , Love . Amen . 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️🇺🇸🔑❤️🌎😍😘👌🥰😍😇🤟🏻☝🏼🏡🤞👫📲❤️👍🏻

[@OurSignedWorld]

Thank you :)

[@pbelleau]

Where can I buy comic about deaf?

[@jerry_redninja8211]

I'm learning sign language

[@OurSignedWorld]

AWESOME! :D

[@jc6108]

I noticed you guys are wearing the same rings! Is that for your trip? What company did you get yours from?

[@DebbyDemiSelenaFan]

Does Courtney SimCom when you are around Zach and family/non-signers? Or is it more speaking and then signing what you spoke? I’m curious because honestly, I am often conflicted with what to do in situations when Deaf people and Non-signers are around. I obviously don’t want to exclude anyone. But I don’t like to SimCom since I know when I do SimCom, English will dominate and my ASL will be weaker and it doesn’t help my ASL skills (and also just because I was taught with a very strong no-SimCom under any circumstances philosophy). But obviously speaking and signing separately everything is more time consuming and in a fast paced environment it is very difficult. Therefore, I’m curious what you do in these situations? Do you think it’s okay to SimCom In these kind of situations? Or do you think it’s best to just stick to one language?

[@OurSignedWorld]

Yeah most of the time. If I am just talking with Zach I dont sim-com however if there are hearing people involved in the conversation then I would typically sim-com if they don't know any sign language. Sometimes Ill sign then speak english but often I end up using sim-com then if he doesn't understand what I said then I often re-sign it, voice off. Its tough and really depends on the people involved.

[@markbachman292]

Cool. Neat🙌☺

[@OurSignedWorld]

:)

[@sabrina1985]

Hi Guys nice video, its really great Zack you can follow their conversations. But its so pity that you only can read what others are telling and not really can fit in that conversation. So its in fact only “listening” and not talking. I am glad you feel included but it would be much nicer if you also make really conversations. I know in my history how it feels to not be really included so i would really feel miserable in this situation. Love sabrina

[@OurSignedWorld]

Yeah we totally agree it’s a step forward but the truth is, it’s still challenging

[@sabrina1985]

Yes challenging, but i would really struggle with the fact my spouse cant really just as easy hearing people connecting with people. Look i am a hearing person but my sinussen are always inflammed so breathing isnt easy and my hearing is not 100 %. I had also from birth til i was almost always ear and middle ear infections. So there is a lot of damage in my ears. Because of holes in eardrums. Once i get fitter ear plugs for swimming. But the water still came into my ears. I get my swimming licence a and b and of missers we decided to stop swimming because i non-stop get ear and middle ear infections. And the rule is that most kids overcome these trouble when they pass the age of 12 a 13 mostly then its stops. I was 15 and finally there was peace. Untill i was 23 a 24 years old and going in psychological therapy where we 1 or 2 at week went swimming. And again the earinfection began. And still i have regularly ear infections. And i really love swimming but so often i cant because of my ears. Its so frustrating. Now i also have chronic eczema in my ears what is terribly itching. And by scratching again new ear canal inflammation wich i am terribly deaf to a whil after treatment. Its a circle that never stops. And people who dont know how this is cant really understand it. They talking to me when they walk infront of me or talking from another room and its so tiring to say always “what you say?, i dont understand you, can you come over here” always i think you know it, how often must i tell you this but is normal. Most people can just talk when they hiking without turn themselves on or talking to people from the kitchen when the other is in the livingroom. But i cant. When i phonecall someone i put down the music or tv prefer no sound at all. Dont like festivals or events with loud music and when we have diner guest and eating with 4 people i cant talk crosswise. I think thats the reason why it bother me that deaf people not fully included in a conversation. Its no fun to sit there and stare and dont having a clue whats all about or you cant give any respond to a conversation. Every human has the right to start a dialoque whenever they want. It would be fun if all people know signlanguage. Anybody learns strange languages in class why not their own language in sign so deaf people always can be included. Pity that their are 38 or so different signlanguages. If the whole world has 1 signlanguage than people learn everywhere the same signlanguage and can talk with all deaf people. Its so pity the hearing world the sighted world wouldnt it be nice if there is 1 world with place for everybody. Love sabrina

[@sabrina1985]

Hi Guys love youre video’s but sorry its hard to follow the story. I am from the netherlands and i know Some englisch language. But i am a hearing person and dont learn signlaguage in my own language so asl is very hard to follow. Its pity because i am very interested in your storie. Love sabrina

[@smileboy423]

I Prefer not to use the Music behind it while you vlog. But of course it’s your Choice. I would like to focus to understand what you‘re saying. The Music is ok, but sometimes it’s bother me. You could put it the music for few mins or seconds. That’s fine with me. I don’t know what is about these people to hear it.

[@OurSignedWorld]

Sorry about that. If anything you can turn off the sound :)

[@darrenramsey]

You both look like Big Baby 🍼 Yearbook Epic Fail ... We are hearing impaired total ASL communication skills to lipread, write a note to bank, can hear loud music on our headphone and can still go outside during snowstorm and we never complain blame lie deny vomit 🤮 at many restaurants becuz we enjoy to cook together we eat cereal bowl we don’t accept videophone calls from more than eight years ago, hope that you are alright