What is it like to be DEAF?

Hi! My name is De'Angelo Brown and you can find my name on FB.
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This VLOG is to educate the hearing people and help spread the awareness about our Deaf culture. The VLOG part two coming soon but If you have any stories to share what you or someone you know went through similiar experience and want to make a VLOG please email [e-mail] and I can be reached .
I hope to stay connected with every one of you!! ---Def Familia
WWW.DEFFAMILIA.COM

[@verak8936]

WOW! I cant believe how unthoughtful your family was. If i was your little sister, i would have changed the tvs during that night by my damn self. How can parents be like that? How?

[@sabrinafirl]

Yeah but His parents could have ignored him more. His parents approved him to go to deaf school. Most parents want them to be connected to hearing world. His parents didn't know. I understand his parents. They are trying to help him. But the television..Maybe his mother was in bad mood. But that story is really good. You should read Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby. It is really good. It is same as this story. But even worse, Her mother doesnt allow her to learn ASL. And go to deaf school. READ THIS!

[@verak8936]

Well i dont understand his parents. Thats like cutting someones tongue out or taping a kids mouth with tape for the rest of their lives. Thats inhumane. and thanks for the tip!

[@nagdeolife]

What is WITH that mother of his??!!!

[@headoverheels88]

how has this not been turned into an oscar-winning film yet?

[@sagexandxrage]

I'm autistic, which is way different. But parts of this story make me so angry. I have similar disability stories that all boil down to "someone didn't take the time or energy to accommodate me". It just backs up the social model of disability. and it really sucks the most when it is your family.

[@darinmcintier8987]

Awesome video. I am the father of a deaf or HOH child. I never know which is the more appropriate to say. My son is 15 and hears 'well' with his hearing aides. He hears well enough that I often forget about it. Your comments about asking what they said in a movie or TV show really hit home for me. I am really big into the 'tempo' of a show or movie. I don't like to pause or interrupt the movie for anyone (ask my wife) - much less my son who has hearing aides and an FM system that is directly connected to the Audio system. I often tell him to put his "ears on" whenever he isn't wearing his hearing aides and starts interrupting the show with questions about who said what. Your video has opened my eyes to just how offensive that must be to him. I am trying to raise him to be independent in a hearing world, but I should be more sensitive to his needs than that. I really do thank you - your video has made a difference for this ignorant hearing father.

[@dotskip50]

Glad you realized that. Also don't answer a question from someone else for him. Let him speak for himself.

[@leahmartin7080]

Darin, I don't live with a deaf or HOH person, but the same piece of that video affected me, as well. I had never thought of what I DON'T do as offensive. I try to be very careful not to offend someone with what I DO... just never thought about what I don't do. This opened my eyes a lot!

[@kardaine29]

My wife is hearing impaired and losing her hearing quickly. Eventually she will be completely without her hearing. I want to learn how to speak to her with my hands if not my words because the conversations we have are everything to me...

[@BrookelleBlasphemy]

You're an amazing man.. Please go through wit it

[@samnas3955]

hes so handsome

[@quianadenby3442]

Yesssss

[@ashIesha]

No no, he's SEXYYYY

[@KingDecahedron]

ur a funny guy

[@ValeriesGal]

Sam Nas I know, right!

[@alexanderblack7639]

+Sam Nas That's seriously what you took from all of that?

[@chadknight3842]

I'm am not deaf but have learned enough Auslan to have a very basic conversation with a deaf person, and one day at work a deaf person came in and I was signing to take her order (I work at McDonald's) and because I didn't know how to use the register I had to pass the order on. I had no idea that the person could read lips and my colleague said that this was stupid and that deaf people should have there order written on paper in advance to save time... At this point I seen the disappoint on the customers face and she explained she would go elsewhere. At this time I realised how repulsive some people can be to others and how daily tasks can be made difficult and sad just because you can't hear! There really isn't a point to this story but please people think before you do because one little thing could be the thing to push a person over the edge...!

[@lindasmith6316]

Actually there is a point to the story...that some people will sometimes speak before they think and some people are just plain mean. I just wish she could have not left but instead seen a manager ...

[@Randomname12345678]

very enlightening. I gotta say, and i feel kinda ignorant for saying this. But it was hard watching a video for 26 minutes with my headphones on, but hearing no sounds at all. I mean, i could still hear outside noises. But my focus was on the video, and it was just hard (I wanted to hear stuff), i almost felt like i didn't want to watch, because there was no sound. But the things you were saying really held my interest. Than just thinking about not being able to hear anything ever. After just watching a video for 26 minutes with no sound.. Its unimaginable, i think i would panic and completely freak out. I think it would feel like i was no longer connected to the world.

[@Nanisonic]

play low music and it helps you focus better.

[@MysticWulfe]

I watched it with my headphones in too, even after realizing the re was no sound, because i got so focused on watching what he was saying

[@fauxwoe]

it's actually kind of interesting because i watched the video, and didn't even notice till the end that i wasn't hearing anything from my headphones because just imagining what he was saying in my head kept my brain occupied. that might come from taking asl too. (which i recommend, you quickly get used to silence)

[@Jasmine-rc9xl]

I think you should try consider the silence beautiful. the fact that you needed sounds to get through this must have meant you weren't focusing on the story. I was considering how amazing KZbin is for all cultures in the world. I'm so thankful to live in a time when we have things like the internet and video is so common that these 25 minutes were capable of being easily produced. 😄

[@nightcorepsychotic1757]

It shows how they can't hear the sound or voice. The title says "how it's like to be DEAF" so deaf mean you can't hear right? Well now you can't hear anything

[@fettuccinetube]

I have noticed that the closed captions on youtube do not do the speech recognition very well so for some of my videos I retyped them. Then I figured, "Well I will just link to the written instructions." But I now realize that merely linking to written instructions is not enough because there are things in the videos that are not in the written instructions. Thank you for making me realize that many deaf people also want to "experience" a tutorial not just read instructions.

[@alexisr.8545]

im a hearing person and theres this kid at my school that is hard of hearing, so im teaching myself sign language to be able to communicate with her since ive noticed her only friend seems to be her teacher. The Deaf community really needs to be learned about more so that people are more educated in the culture.

[@RudyOrly]

i'm deaf too : ]... I understand what you feel... come on, we continue our lives with courage : ]

[@colleenelliott3034]

i am deaf too ! . i understand and what u said .

[@ekaterinapaseva957]

I`m deaf too. Nice video, i`m agree with him. I can understand him : )

[@emilyperz6572]

:D

[@RudyOrly]

but i have a big big big heart, more of your all too : ]... for me the heart and the "energy positive" is more important, i doesn't matter if i don't have the hearng. the hearing is just an "apperance".

[@komay]

it must be hard to live life with no music, because music is art.

[@alaplaya5]

I don't know why I can concentrate more on videos like that than long videos with talking people

[@LilMissGiggin]

I worked at kfc when I was 16 and a deaf guy and I'm guessing his brother came in near the end of a rush. This was my first time witnessing ASL. I don't even think I saw ASL on tv before then. Ever since then I've wanted to learn but didn't have a chance to learn till this past week. Me and my 2 year old son are learning together now and shockingly my husband has asked about a few signs himself today. Hopefully we become a hearing family that knows ASL so we can welcome and communicate with them just like everyone else :)

[@ettinakitten5047]

You probably know this already but a lot of hearing parents with hearing children are teaching their kids ASL. It's easier for a small child to sign than to speak, because they have better control over their hands than their mouth. And learning ASL helps the brain get better at spatial reasoning, because ASL uses spatial grammar.

[@countrychick3389]

This is going to sound cheesy, but I honestly started trying to learn sign language because of the TV show Switched at Birth. But honestly, as I researched more into Deaf culture and language, I've found I've really come to have such an appreciation and respect for it. I couldn't imagine how difficult it is, yet I've seen so many Deaf people share their stories throughout which they're so positive. Rather than being pessimistic about their circumstance, they don't let it hinder them at all and so many of them come out with such amazing character! I think it would be really beneficial if it were possible for hearing people to try to go just one week without hearing. I think their perspective would really change and they'd be able to understand and respect Deaf people much better. I'm hoping to spend a part of my future helping to educate Deaf children as they grow up, and give them the love and support they need and that their families might not always provide simply because they don't know how. Keep being strong and confident in who you are! :) You're awesome!

[@Lillith003]

If that show is why you got interested that's not cheesy. I think it's great that you are showing interest and through that you are starting to want to learn more.

[@COSOsimao]

Me too! I started to watch Switched at Birth and right away I wanted to start learning sign language. I think it's very helpful to the Deaf community and to yourself, because it's a bridge and a common bond between people. It makes you richer in heart. You don't have to be Deaf to learn sign language or about it's culture. In my opinion, sign language is beautiful, just like any spoken language. Also, I've seen other stories like this and it's outrageous and, at the same time, motivating. It makes me really sad to see how Deaf people are treated, because we're all the same, despite what society might think. And this applies also to others, to how we sometimes treat people based on what we think they are, on their appearance, colour, gender, or anything else really. It's people like this man who make me want to learn sign language. I started today, and I'm already inspired to continue. Thank you so much! Hope you all have a great day!

[@gracieflood3597]

GIRL. I was JUST about to comment that!! I began watching the show and the language completely fascinated me. So, i went on KZbin and started looking up ASL Lessons and such and now I've found myself dying to learn the language! Glad someone feels the same way (:

[@savannahbanana8692]

same omf switched at birth is life .

[@jezz1217]

Metoo, ive actually come to love asl, and i love l r arning how to do this, and i want my classmates at school to learn it, becuz when teacher says be quiet doesnt mean we cant sign?lol, deaf teachers dont have to deal with noisy kids at least.

[@tiffanymadden8989]

I'm deaf I know what is like when I was growing up hearing people bully me jump me because I was nice different but they know I was deaf they did not care about so they bully me and the hearing teachers did not care about it I got jump so I got home on the yellow bus I cry all the way home to tell my mom what happened my mom is hearing my family is hearing I'm the only deaf one in the family my mom was happy to have a deaf baby girl my dad was not okay with me born deaf my dad not in my life so my mom family teach me how to read lips understand what they say so being deaf in school with hearing kids was hard my mom fight the teachers for not giving me classes to learn understand my mom push the school to give me a try in different classes my mom said to me in front of the principal don't never let a hearing person say you can't do anything because you you are very smart . so what that my child is deaf my mom said my daughter deaf but all the hearing teachers did not wanna have me in there classes my mom stand by me and said to everyone you are going to give to teach my daughter the teachers was scared of my mom because see fight for me and she love me just the way I am so teach gave me a try in there classes they were shock I understand what I was doing my mom said my daughter us just like other kids but difference in her own way as deaf is beautiful to watch my daughter sign language in school I was still bully but that did not stop me from coming to school I teach some hearing kids sign language they wanna learn what is like to sign I said to the hearing kids you want to learn from me sign I laugh so I teach them I never been to a deaf school I learn what is like to be a hearing teenager but I'm still deaf forever I don't wish to be hearing because I like being deaf my mom always told me fight back at the hearing don't let them put you down like your dumb or something you are a smart baby girl I ever had my mom said she smile at me and hug me the end .so now I'm a woman 2014 I'm proud to be deaf I thank my mom for everything in my life she helped me stay strong woman my mom teach me to understand the outside world hearing people I thank my for standing by me.:-) :-)

[@itsjaerenae]

Yeah same thing happened to me. I'm deaf too and yeah. 😔

[@sydney6529]

That is beautiful :,)

[@marissadiego77]

That's an amazing story,thats one of the reasons I'm learning ASL so I can help deaf people but mostly deaf children

[@AutumnSilencex]

I'm a hearing student in the UK, and part of my university course is deaf studies, and learning BSL. I've only been signing for four months and I am already able to have an understandable conversation with my teacher (who is completely deaf). I'm not saying this to brag, simply to say that sign language has enriched my life in a way which I wasn't expecting. It's such a visual, rich, language which I'm sad I haven't known for longer. Still, I look forward to (hopefully) becoming an interpreter one day! I found this video so interesting as I can connect with the feelings of disappointment which you expressed- I find it very frustrating when people have poor deaf awareness, so I could definitely connect the frustration which was expressed in the video! I look forward to watching the next vlog :)

[@taekwondospeeduzi265]

I live in the UK too. Near Exeter :D

[@alimaabok7488]

What does BSL stand for?

[@AutumnSilencex]

BSL stands for British Sign Language :)

[@alimaabok7488]

ohhh ok

[@therealbosstopob4l974]

Ayyyyy text me.

[@Nobody-jt7dw]

This guy's really cool, I love his story

[@minasafija1437]

Wow... His stories really upset me. I cant believe that there are so many rude and obnoxious people out there. And even more so, how many uneducated hearing people don't understand what it is like being deaf. Of course I know that no one, other than a deaf person would know what it is like being deaf but to satirize a deaf person and not be welcoming and accommodating is just ridiculous. I'm a hearing person... I don't know anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing or mute and yet I took it upon myself to learn Basic ASL in case I ever did meet someone who was. Its about being friendly to everyone. Doesn't matter if you are deaf or hearing or hard of hearing or mute... You're a person and you deserve to be treated like you ARE a person and not a side show. This is upsetting.

[@Queer_Nerd_For_Human_Justice]

This is why Jeff Dunham rubs me the wrong way amoung other things. He once said in a famous skit that he was giving hell to the interpreter by shouting random words and purposefully bewildering the deaf audience. I was just thinking about that skit before watching this video. Now I know to tell people that kind of thing should not be done.

[@davidaustin1488]

Dude thank you so much for not accusing hearing people for being ignorant. We can't help it that we don't get much exposure to deaf culture, and so many times we are bewildered with how to act, or what to do. Some deaf people's videos I watch just accuse and accuse and I'm just like "I'm sorry! I didn't know!" I completely agree that it is up to deaf people to educate us hearing people as long as the hearing are willing to listen. Be patient with us, we want to learn but we will not be perfect. I understand some people make fun of your deafness, and they are wrong for that.

[@carolinekramer2488]

Go educate yourself because it is available online for those that care. That's what white privileged people think: It's up to the minorities to educate and coddle them, and OK for minorities to accommodate them without question--they feel they shouldn't have to work to accommodate others. The coddling is over.

[@wildog47]

David Austin that's honestly so true. and im hearing but i never can ask any deaf people any of my curiosity about how they wake up or answer the door or all these simple things cause so many times they seem to be offended or accusatory. so it makes me not want to ask anymore.

[@mangaluvxo]

I am a hearing student at a public school, and there is a deaf girl in one of my classes. she has an interpreter. she was put in my group for a project and ive been really inspired to learn sign language and to communicate with her, but I didn't really know how to approach her. but hopefully I can make friends with her!

[@dotskip50]

Just start by saying Hi, ask her how she likes the project, ask her things like how many brothers and sisters she has, how long she has been deaf, anyone else in the family that is deaf, I know it's uncomfortable but she needs friends too.

[@ilbo17]

Just approach her. I'm sure she'll appreciate it. And also a tip. You don't have to sign perfectly, just try to visualize as much as possible.

[@MyBrokenLyric]

Approach her as you would any other class mate. Just make sure you stand in clear view so she can see you. Talk slowly and enunciate your words. If her interpreter is not with her, you can always write what you would like to say to her. Just remember to be polite and respectful. =] I am hard hearing and have not lost all my hearing yet. It can be so frustrating at work or out with friends because people often talk without looking at you. If your back is to me, you are looking away or down or if you mumble, more than likely I will not know you are talking to me or will not hear you.

[@ashleyryan1]

Even though your comment is old, I would say that with anyone who speaks a different language that learning a few words or signs would show that person that you have an interest and then something could develop from there.

[@matutum50]

just approach her- no big deal

[@AleahKCH]

I just wanna cry and hug this guy, not because that happened to him, but because he overcame so much (and he's pretty attractive). I hate that he barely even had his family in his corner, but he gained a new family at his school that gave him so much. His sense of pride is so admirable... I just love this video!

[@carolinekramer2488]

I think he is a hunk. Don't cry. Deaf people don't need or want sympathy. What for? I'm later deafened. Deaf people that aren't later-deafened (he is not later-deafened) are more forgiving because they don't know the way they would be treated if they were hearing, and the difference between being treated as a hearing person and a deaf person. They don't have an opportunity to see how much prejudice there is toward deaf people.

[@carolinekramer2488]

He's not an ugly ducking deaf person, but a beautiful deaf swan. This happens to many deaf people who are isolated in families that don't get it, whether they are adopted or not. Many families still do not learn ASL to communicate with their deaf kids, but insist on them adapting to hearing ways, and deaf people are NOT hearing geared. They become visual as soon as their hearing goes. In some states it has become a law. Also, in the deaf community we claim our own, and we relate to our own. I will do things for a deaf person that I wouldn't do for a hearing person, and that is just the way it is.

[@carolinekramer2488]

Actually I meant to say: He is not an ugly duckling hearing person, but a beautiful deaf swam person. He became a swan when he realized there are others like him and that there is nothing wrong with him--he's just not in the right place for him.

[@LaurelsCurls]

Wow.. Your story both breaks my hearts and thrills me. It's very touching and reminds me of what I have encountered with many Deaf people. Thank you for sharing...

[@sandigarcia352]

I love watching stories like this & watching things in sign language.... I am very well educated of Deaf culture & im hearing. I know sign language more than I know spanish, & I'm hispanic.-. im not that fluent but I can get by in conversations&understand alot. im still learning & im proud to consider ASL as my secondary language. I love it. its an amazing way to communicate in my opinion.

[@herrschultz7413]

This guy is definitely such an amazing and a very VERY patient one. I'm currently learning ASL and it was amazing to hear stories about ones struggles with being deaf, I 100% respect them.

[@dlahighlander]

Curious.. when are you planning to make part 2 vlog? I showed your video to my ASL class. They have learned a lot from you! Even share this information to hearing parents with deaf child. :-)

[@maestracruz8681]

Hi! I'm a sign language teacher in Puerto Rico (a little island in the Caribbean, where Ricky Martin is from). I was looking for videos to show to my new basic PRSL and ASL group (Puerto Rico, as many regions, has it's own signs) and I found you! This is a very inspiring story for my kids to watch. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I would also like to explain that deaf people not necessarily want to become part of the hearing world. It is, as this video explains, a matter of culture. Just because there are cochlear implants it doesn't mean that every deaf person wants to go running and make themselves hearing. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING DEAF. The only people that find it inconvenient is the hearing. As I teach my kids, if you encounter a deaf person don't assume that they are ignorant. Ask them if they read lips and, if not, offer them a paper and pen so they can write their message. If someone from China comes up to you, you don't immediately say "Learn English!", right? Well the same thing goes with the deaf. It's just another language, another way of communicating. Learn it! The deaf community is part of your country, your community. They are soldiers, nurses, teachers, vendors, etc. Be thankful and more sensible to your fellow deaf brethren. Kudos on your VLOG!!!

[@jupiiter858]

damn this video hit me hes so amazing nothing can let u down man hes so awesome i would give him a big hug if i could i swear

[@cristianciocirlan8806]

Septyplier

[@jupiiter858]

cristian ciocirlan lol

[@troll9163]

suck him off too

[@shevilla4]

my daughter is hearing. no one in my family is deaf but since she was a few months old I've taught her a few words in sign. she knows thank you, more, milk, all done, bath, momma, daddy, brother, an our newest word is please. she just turned 2 in December and I intend to further her sign vocabulary.

[@HailKale]

same here ! I was teaching my son signs but I stopped. I will start signing to him again even if hes hearing because he cant talk yet. Sometimes he signs to me more and milk. Which amazes me that he remembers signs. My sons a year and a half and Im gonna start signing again. I use to always play the baby siging time videos. I learned a lot from those videos.

[@issafeemusic]

You've demonstrated to me more of why having the ability to hear should NOT be taken for granted. My heart goes out to you sir and all deaf people. God bless.

[@hannahtillman4126]

Im 15 and i am Deaf. I was soo happy when i watched your video because i personally thought i was the only person going thru so much. I have always gone to hearing schools and it has been very rough on me. I am very quiet and i dont speak much, so i was wondering if you had any advice for me. I want to get better at socializing with hearing people. Thank you again! :D

[@abbywallace1444]

I may have never been deaf but when I was younger, I couldn't speak properly so I had to learn some of the basic sign language to get me through the day, Later on my speech was okay but I got surgery and go my tonsils removed but I ended up getting an infection and learned how to sign better than what I had, Yeah people made fun of my signing cause it was unusual and they would try to get me to speak but i couldn't, but it is never good to make fun of someone cause of there (as people would say it even though i don't see it as that) disability

[@CoolAsFreya]

Did anyone not need the subtitles? I've known ASL for ages even though I know no deaf people, it's a good way to communicate across a distance or in places where you can't talk like class or even a test XD!

[@Nadiayvn]

I kinda know some I'm trying to learn

[@Nadiayvn]

So I can understand a little bit

[@carolinekramer2488]

Yes. I'm deaf, but can't sign well because of vertigo issues. Not all deaf people are alike. I need captioning for hearing and deaf.

[@skyineh5438]

Omgosh same that's the reason y I learnt asl. In case I had deaf friends and to talk across the room with my friends

[@chrissiejudge-solberg1328]

same as well

[@mariag5091]

It is hard to read lips unless you have captions, I tried but didn't understand unless I read the captions first. I'm learning asl in school and hopefully I can communicate with deaf people even if it isn't that much

[@djlwg]

WOW! Thanks for sharing this video. I am hearing. I am the Deaf Ministry Leader at my church. This video is a God send. I feel like God is calling me to start a "Resource Center" to help educate people about Deaf culture, to be a support system for parents as they are confronted with the choices they must make for their deaf child. I have talked to some of the deaf around my area to see if they would help by sharing the very thing you have shared in the video, their experiences growing up deaf. I would love to be able to use this video to show parents of deaf newborns. Thank you again for sharing. You are helping to make a difference not only for deaf but for hearing people as well. God bless you!

[@joanapereiralgp]

This is an amazing video. I honestly loved it. I am a hearing signer from Portugal, have been a Portuguese Sign Language Interpreter for almost 14 years, now I'm a researcher on Deaf culture and the main focus of my work as been and will continue to be to educate hearing people on Deaf issues. So congrats!! I hope there will be more of these valuable experiences for the whole world to watch!

[@jornaldossurdos4477]

facebook.com/jornal.dossurdos jornalsurdos.tv/

[@goopypuff]

I want to hug this guy

[@rachelmoen7930]

Honestly there were times where I had to stop and rewind the video because I wasn't paying attention to what you were saying because you're So handsome! But anyway, my great grandparents were deaf and when they were kids they didn't have deaf schools. So when they we're adults they found out about the school and attended one. My grandma taught me the basics of what she remembered and I will never forget how amazed I was that A. Some people actually couldn't hear and B. That There was another language that used hands to communicate. I'm trying to Learn sign language because I think it's so beautiful, and because of my great uncle. He's schizophrenic and with all the medications that the doctors have him on, he can't make out words. It just sounds like incoherent mumbles. But he still remembered sign language and we've been sort of communicating that way. Sorry for my long ass story lol. I felt like I needed to share that (:

[@Airstorm90]

"...but it's not their fault since they were never educated about deaf culture." Wow. This got me.

[@robingross3886]

I always try to put myself in other people's shoes. I always try to relate. I can imagine what it would feel like to not really get some things, but I get angry with people who can't relate. Who are just so caught up in how things are normally they just can't be bothered to think abnormal stuff. They just can't be bothered to think and it upsets me.

[@enigarcia1]

Thanks for sharing your stories ^_^ Im trying to learn ASL. I'm a hearing person but as a child I always saw my deaf uncle trying to make gestures so that other people could understand him and since from a young age I knew that there was sign language I always wondered why had nobody teach him or why didnt nobody at his home used ASL?! You could see his frustration at times when nobody understood his gestures :( . By the way, I plan to teach my future children ASL as soon as baby age. God bless you.

[@oscarmarquez9764]

I am learning Asl and the dead culture is so welcoming an the hearing people should do the same. Great story!

[@thomascranor9505]

the dead?

[@rudymartin8583]

*deaf I'm not much of a grammar nazi, but that's a major distinction between a community of people who can't hear and a community of zombies.

[@DavidVoxDem]

dead culture ?

[@omiller0912]

Correction: Deaf, not dead

[@shayboogie161616]

Lol I think you meant "deaf culture" not dead

[@roguexvampire]

This is what I posted on my FB, please keep in mind I am not deaf, and stumbled apon this piece of pure gold by accident. I try to understand different cultures and different people, and I think that this is the biggest eye opener. It is 25 minutes or so long, no sound, no nothing. With me, I can only focus on the text, so I can not watch his animation, but PLEASE give this a watch, and let itopen your eyes a bit more then they are. I also posted the link to this video. I do not have the time to rewatch it (right now) for his expressions, but I will tomorrow. One word comes to mind while I watched this: "Tolerance". We need to learn it.

[@ShonnaC]

I really enjoyed your video. FYI, some "families" are "shitty" regardless. I am physically disabled and was harassed and ridiculed by my relatives... made to feel guilty about asking for help, lording it over my head about how MUCH they HAVE to do for me... But it made me a stronger, more independent person... sure, I've met other insensitive people in the world... but I've been more impressed with how many good people are out there. I'm an author and working on my next book: "Hidden Disability." I write from the perspective of physical barriers... but I'd love to learn more about your culture and struggles so that I can incorporate that into my "Hidden Disabilities" book. Because yours truly IS hidden. **So glad to see your positive attitude. Thank you for making this.

[@tommyaudet8394]

hello my name is tommy .. one day i have jumped in the water . with my head in front in a pool .. AND i have heard what deaf hear .. or maybe not .. its the powerfull sound of universe extremenly loud that u cannot listen anything else ... i was in the water . and i feel th power of sound in a fraction of second i can hear mostly anything . like other human .. i have a sensivity on my ear too ... i think .. since i have feel both hearing ... that the real is in between . u have to teach us what u think about your sound in your head... because its so pure.... purity is like too much for most of all of us

[@carolinekramer2488]

Deaf people have different levels of hearing. Some can use hearing aids and benefit, and others can't. I am very lucky because I have a cochlear implant (though it is not working as well because I am aging), and I can pick up some sound with it, enough to read lips better. Profoundly deaf, those who cannot make out spoken words, and very deaf cannot read lips because you need to hear some sounds to do that because many consonants/words look the same on the lips and people talk about 200 words per minute). Without the implant, I hear nothing. There is no physical sound whatsoever, and it is lovely. It is so peaceful, and a blessing. If someone said they could restore my hearing to normal levels, I wouldn't want it--I accept the halfway/temporary sound of the implant because I can't sign because of vertigo and other issues. I love that beautiful peacefulness of no physical sound. What I hear is the energy of the planet and the universe, and it is hard to explain--I remember the sound of the ocean before, and it is a little like that. I hear the energy of humans. I started out hearing originally, but I have been deaf so long that my world is deaf--it is much different conceptually than hearing. Many people think deaf people are just hearing people that can't hear. No they aren't. I wouldn't change back to natural hearing.

[@Zuuhle]

I'm hearing and learning ASL at school and I love ASL and its culture. It really makes me mad when my fellow hearing classmates who don't take ASL make fun of the language when I tell them I'm learning it. They always do pretend "signing" which makes them look like idiots. *Sigh* -_- Anyways to all of the h.o.h and deaf people, stay strong and you guys are amazing!

[@CelticGoddess111]

Oh my gosh, my dad does this and it drives me crazy. I told him I found it insulting. This is a language and you don't make fun of it. ):

[@Madison-458]

PREACH!

[@Zuuhle]

CelticGoddess111 Well said! People shouldn't make fun of ANY language in the first place, and yes, that includes sign LANGUAGES! People like to do stupid things because they're ignorant but, hopefully people start to wake up and start respecting other cultures which includes the deaf culture. Anyways, good on you for telling him how you feel, I agree with you.

[@CelticGoddess111]

I totally agree! It's just another culture. (:

[@pahman1954]

Yes, that is true ! I know how you feel ! I am deaf. Now I am 59 years old. I have been through many tough paths. The most tough part in my life is at work, Also my hearing family do not tell me everything. Even my children know more about my family than me ! I have to be a survivor.

[@clairelovell6159]

Im amazed! i think it is truly amazing how you made it through all of this! i've been wanting to learn ASL for a long time, and now reading your story has made me want to 100x more. thanks for sharing your story. i honestly appreciate it! :)

[@alyssap9282]

This was so inspiring. Sign language and deaf culture are so beautiful. I'm really enjoying learning about them. Thanks for telling your story. (:

[@msbarber6352]

thanks for sharing as a hearing woman I hadn't realized how it was and how I never took time to think about how difficult it could be. I'm a security guard. I decided to learn a second language. I'll learn to sign. thanks again

[@DivinetressBeautyLocs]

I am so amazed by your stories.. You are my Hero oh man I can tell you I had to go through most of that stuff too. I'm the only deaf one in my family and it's so hard. I shared this on my Facebook I'm hoping my family and friends learn from it. This really touched bases for me and summed so much up. My husband is hearing it gets frustrating a lot too. Thank you

[@sweetfac912]

So glad I found this video and channel. So inspirational. Being an interpreter, you understand and empathize but so much, and video like this help you appreciate and strive to educate the world on Deaf NOT deaf. I am definitely showing this to the students I work with and the terps in my circle. Awesome job. And thank you for educating and empowering the movement that is Deaf Awareness! :-)

[@MaggieMagnoli]

Thank You for not giving up on hearing folks and still spreading the love.

[@katebodisatva]

Thank you very much for this vlog. I am grateful for you willingness to educate us hearing people and share your experiences. It takes a strong person to over-come the injustices they have endured and not fall into anger but want to educate others so that misunderstand does not keep happen. Thank you for sharing this.

[@TheTXDj]

Brilliant video. Stumbled upon it looking for other things. I wish more hearing people would think about it. I wish more hearing people could see videos like this. I love that this video is closed captioned for the hearing - that is brilliant with your story about your family not understanding why you needed captions. Though I'm hearing, I've always been around the Deaf, because I grew up near a Deaf school. Your video hits several key points that I've seen repeated by many. Thanks for sharing!

[@Queer_Nerd_For_Human_Justice]

Thank you so much for this video. Those were hard stories to hear. I'm sorry to anyone who went through things like that. I have a mental disorder and have a background in psychology so I am involved in those cultures, but I'm just now truly tapping into physical disorder culture. It's truly breathtaking how many different ways there are to live life. I thank everyone who shares their stories. The more I learn about different types of people, the more I love everyone. I'll do my best to help everyone I can. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope you live in happiness.

[@rexignium6393]

Awesome story man! I'm a hearing guy but would love to learn a lot more about your culture and currently learning sign language now.

[@chocolateMough]

Tears watching this

[@ajay2254]

u are very inspirational my man. I appreciate you spreading your love and view of life in your world. It means a lot to me!! Happy holidays

[@tombenavides8001]

I love this. With all the gestures he really gets into his stories and it is awesome.

[@kiaashe]

What a story and I am impressed. I have had the same experience growing up with my hearing, competitive family. I was the only one born deaf and the last baby in the family. I want to express myself in that vblog. How do I do that? My experience is very poignant one. Yours is amazing, thank you. I feel everything you went through you. You are so awesome, and I am proud of you for educating the hearing! Gayle

[@kiaashe]

I dont know how to do it. I have to figure that out.

[@DestinyRoxas]

This was awesome!

[@whipsinthecar]

I'm about halfway through the video, and I can hear and relate to your tv story. At my fathers house (divorced parents) Internet was so taboo, and having a cell phone was almost outlawed. So I can relate to the feeling you had when you were able to look up what words meant, similarly I was able to learn about a lot of different things! "Like my brain was popping" 😊 I'm going to finish watching the video and probably comment again.

[@JustZackster]

This is so awesome! Thanks so much for sharing your story! I went to a Deaf church this past summer for 10 weeks, where I learned and improved my signing. I feel so heartbroken for Deaf who don't have family who sign or don't have friends who sign, and basically feel alone. Glad you were able to find a place where you felt like you fit in. This story in itself is amazing though!

[@andreaaidoo8752]

I'm hearing by I'm so so interested in the deaf community

[@Farlaying]

*applauses* that was so beautiful!!! ='D

[@KaylaBrown14]

I absolutely love this video! I am hearing but have been teaching myself ASL since I was really young. I love getting an inside perspective and being able to see you sign while sharing your experiences. I am 16 but I am teaching ASL for homeschoolers and the kids can't get enough! Thank you for educating us !

[@christineadera5518]

I'm so glad to stumble on to this, I am not deaf but hard of hearing and my experiences have been so similar with the hearing world , people often make comments like oh shes deaf she cant hear you and I just brush them off but it hurts all the same, people are so ignorant its a shame, as I have gotten older i realize i cannot take everything someone says to heart, most of the time people don't mean it to come out as it does but oh well its life, thanks again for sharing although i haven't had much experience with many deaf people I CAN relate because I have experienced the same.

[@JonelleElise]

Man, is the guy in this video still around? I wish I could get to know him because he seems like such a great guy...cute too lol! It's sad to see how people can be so rude and disrespectful.

[@3OHT.]

I like this guy

[@goodwinhannah3590]

Зонт me too

[@bluebrookesongbird1]

I LOVE this video. Oh my gosh. I was in tears a couple times. Your stories were so sad and beautiful. I'm not deaf myself, but I've taken ASL classes and spoke with many deaf people, and they've told me similar stories. Especially about miscommunication and ignorance. I can't even begin to imagine the pain and frustration. But to overcome those things is truly inspirational and amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. You're incredible. ❤️

[@vidhead85]

Hi, I recently stumbled upon your video while looking for ASL videos. It's terrible feeling as if you don't belong in your family and they don't understand you. I felt that way a lot growing up. I'm glad you're able to tell your story and hopefully help another deaf person not have to go through some of what you went through I started learning ASL in high school but learned sporadically. I recently decided to learn it and interestingly I had watched America's Next Top Model that had their first deaf contestant, Nyle who went on to win the competition. I was able to understand some signing but I still have a long way to go before I become proficient

[@Mithrilelb]

I think your language is beautiful :)

[@chameleonyoo7639]

I'm deaf in one ear, so I don't know what it's like to hear completely or not hear at all lol

[@pamjoachim8779]

Thank you so much for doing this. You hit the spot. I glad you did this because you express it just the way I would have. I have put you on FB for my friend to have better understanding of what it is like to be deaf. I just love the way you did this and can't wait to see some more of you...

[@Kaitlynskl]

What a story! so inspiring and glad i clicked on this! i will be sharing this with my sign club and my sign class. Talk about amazing how hard your life has been. Stay strong.

[@izaicslinux6961]

I was about to make myself deaf by having my volume up to 100 and playing this O_O RIP

[@DauphinetB]

I wished I could learn sign language, but anyways it would be a waste of time, sign language is different from country to country ...

[@rachael7926]

i heard it was the same everywhere, not sure though

[@DauphinetB]

***** Nope, it is not. There are different languages, but we're all speaking a commun language right now... English. English is an universal language

[@SolaceCollestan]

Just as any language, and dialect of a language is different from country to country. I'm not an expert, but you gotta start someplace.

[@rachael7926]

ah i see, thanx for the info :)

[@LadyShyye]

Learning to communicate with another person in their form of speaking is NEVER a waste of time sweetie. Anything you can learn to improve yourself or help another person is Always worth it. I took sign language up when I was in college. Unfortunately I need more practice but I am sharing what I remember with my grand daughter and she is doing wonderful! :-)

[@LordNexor]

Your story and what you have gone through is amazing. It's so wounderful that you share this so me as a non-deaf person can become a better part of our crazy society. Recently started learing to sign with a friend of mine. Still I'm very glad the video has subtitles, you are quite fast!^^ Thanks a bunch for sharing!

[@PacificMoceans]

you're beautiful and so sorry you had to go through all you went through. but look at how much you've prevailed!

[@DrRenee1]

I have always wondered, why do signers move their mouths when they sign? I watched that whole video, and the mouth movements sometimes look like words, other times not. I do not mean to offend, I am really curious.

[@Lillith003]

ASL isn't just about the words that are being signed, its about the whole body and the space around it. Signers use body language and motions to get across their meaning. Sometimes, certain signs, require movements of the mouth, eyes, etc. Otherwise, even when movement isn't needed, I believe it is similar to when a hearing person moves their hands when they speak. The old saying "talking with your hands" maybe its similar to deaf people but they say the words or move their mouths.

[@maestracruz8681]

Hi! I'm sorry no one has explained. Mouth movements set the "tone" for the signed word. We the hearing flex our voice to express the feeling behind what we say, to establish emotions (happy, sad, angry, sarcasm) in what we say. In sign language we use our face to do express such emotions. Most deaf kids take speech therapy during grade school and thus learn to lipreading and to speak. So, as they grow up, they incorporate these "words" into their facial expressions. I hope this helped. :-)

[@1me1life1love]

When the mouth movements do not seem to go with what they're signing, keep in mind they have never heard the word being said before. Whereas you and I have heard and seen how your mouth should be when you pronounce things from early childhood

[@coniviveros3525]

It's a habit, it happens to most of deaf people who has grown up among hearing people and learned to read lips before sign language, sometimes deliberately, sometimes not.

[@lindasmith6316]

They speak the words that they sign because a lot of deaf/hard of hearing read lips.Love this guy, I think he is very brave and cool...just started learning ASL myself...

[@SilverFlame819]

Your girlfriend being a cheating bitch who didn't treat you with the respect you deserved has nothing to do with hearing people being ignorant. It's just a lack of respect. Cheaters are gonna cheat. Don't put one person's shitty decision on the whole culture. And this video just makes me sad... Adopted or not, your family... *smh*

[@iBarkBite]

He stated that he didn't think all hearing people were bad or ignorant he even went out of his way to also state that even the ignorant ones only need to be educated on why what they did was offensive or how he felt about it.

[@kellysc3073]

Eloquently explained! Imma use your youtube page when educating about ASL and Deaf Culture! Mad props!

[@bonnierodriguez3524]

Thank you so much for this video. It helps tremendously coming from someone who is not deaf. I found your video looking for ASL tutorials. I actually do not know anyone who is deaf and am wanting to learn sign language and it's nice to have a glimpse of the challenges that you faced growing up.

[@msandlin64]

You are such an inspiration to me. I want to learn very badly. I took intro classes, but couldn't pursue it further because of the cost. I know how to spelling words cause I've mastered the alpha's . It is hard, but looking at your video is a reminder how it is even harder for the deaf to live in a society that is very ignorant of deaf culture on a daily. I don't know your name, but thank you. Thank you.

[@jessypooh24]

You are an inspiration to me! Gosh I'm sooooo touched! Bless u

[@angelatimruk]

I'm currently trying to learn sign language (asl) & (along with the moral of the story) I am learning so much-its easier to see each sign because you have larger hands. The Deaf culture is so interesting & Im so exited to learn more about it each day. Thank you so much for your video! Its a big help & gave me a new understanding. Much respect for everything you've survived & the positive outcome you've turned it into =)

[@StainedglassWings]

It is so disappointing to hear stories of peoples needs being overlooked. I am hearing but have been learning ASL for years on my own and am finishing up my secound ASL class, it is such a beautiful language rich in tradition and culture. I appreciate videos like this because not only does it allow me to practice my receptive skills but it is important that people understand the needs of others. I'm glad you were able to find a place where you felt free to be completely yourself. Thanks for letting us have a look of a world that we ( the hearing community) would other wise not be able to fully understand.

[@anorth2995]

I am so very touched by your stories! I came across your VLOG while searching for clips to show my middle school Sign Language students. You have communicated more about the difficulties dealing with the hearing world in 25 minutes than any other commentary I've seen. When I showed this to my students, some were so moved that they cried, but most of all ...they all "got it"!. On another note....I also worked at Bruce St School when I started teaching - many years ago - so I feel an uncanny connection. Wonderful, inspiring ... I can't say enough :)

[@marinelovr]

I really do appreciate you sharing this. I am currently taking ASL in college and this video really helped me to understand why it is important to understand not only the language, but how insensitive the hearing world can be. Thanks again for pouring your story out there.

[@katara9]

This taught me so much- and I'm really thankful and honored to learn more about things like this, thank you so much for the enlightenment and for helping bring hearing and deaf people closer together in many ways! Thank you!

[@hannahd.7805]

Thank you for an inspiring video!! I am not deaf but I've been trying to learn sign language online just out of curiosity. It's really hard to learn online but there aren't any classes (that I know of) that I can take in my community. I wish that that was something more popular. I don't know anyone whose deaf but your video has really opened my eyes! I plan on continuing learning!! Thank you!!

[@chapbass]

Just wanted to say thanks a lot for posting this. I'm hearing and don't have a lot of experience with deaf people, but I think I would really enjoy learning, and this vlog definitely helped. When I was in college I had a couple lectures where there was an interpreter or two in different sections of the class, and I heard several people over the course of the semester commenting on how cool that was and several people become very interested, which I thought was really great to see. Thanks again for your video!

[@AnitaBlackmann]

This was an awesome video! I'm feeling with you. My dad is in a wheelchair and his school never got railing for the stairs until he tripped and fractured his skull... Alot of people tend to be assholes towards people with disabilities and I hate that, and I love the people who understand how they chould help if needed. I really loved this video! Thank you so much for learning this! :-D

[@laradmitrovic9773]

This is so inspiring. Thank you for sharing. I moved really close to deaf school few months ago(I am not deaf). And I didn't know about the school at that time, but i kept seeing deaf people walking down the street and using sign language(in our country it's different of course). I also started watching TV show called "Switched at Birth" and there is sign language in it. I was amazed and I started learning it. But American sign language even tho we don't speak english here. But i love it. Again, thanks for sharing. :)

[@julissaarroyo3053]

This was very beautiful, your story has honestly touched my heart. Thank you for sharing. It means a lot!

[@erikadiggs8489]

Thank you for making this video. I am currently trying to learn ASL and learning about Deaf Culture is definitely an important step in the process. I look forward to watching more.

[@Yaelia]

Awesome video!!!! I met a new friend and she is deaf im learning all i can to understand her better. I appreciate the courage you had to create this video. Is very special, i hope other people can see it that way and understand the challenges you face. I wish the best of luck!!!!!

[@torimager4223]

Hey! I just watched your video. I love it! I've never heard anything like this before. I'm hearing and I don't know any deaf people. This past semester I signed up for an ASL class so I've been really curious about Deaf culture. I'm still learning, but I love your video and can't wait to see others from you. ❤️

[@AllThatGlitters0910]

Im hearing and am setting up to take an ASL class. But in the mean time im looking all over trying to really educate myself. I don't know anyone deaf so my reaching out has been on social media. Its really hard to get to know them. They seem very pessimistic about me as a hearing person. The more things I see about situations the deaf encounter normally and how a lot of hearing people brush off their needs makes a ot of sense. Im not deaf, I don't face those difficulties but im surprised that most hearing people just don't understand. I appreciate how understanding the deaf community on social media seems to be. You guys are incredible and strong for being able to put all the negative aside and be optimistic. I hope to one day be able to speak the language. Get a chance to see things as much from that perspective as a hearing person can. I have a lot of respect for you guys and what you go through. I want to learn so badly but as a hearing person I didn't have a clue that this is your reality. it has opened my eyes to all the things I do as a hearing person that are ignorant. Ive never intentionally been offensive but I wasn't brought up to know that it was offensive to do things like not face someone when speaking, or cover my mouth when im talking. Now that I know these things I hope to learn more so that when I do meet these people I can make it as easy as possible to understand each other.