The constantly evolving world of inclusive language that UMBC
explored last week extends to the nuance, dialect and context of Black
American Sign Language within the Deaf* and Black community. In this
national, and now global, moment of affirmation with Black Lives Matter,
the Black and Deaf community explore the haunting question, "Am I Next?"**
While the protests continue, American
Sign Language, and interpreting while Black and Deaf* is complicated by
race, history, local dialect and more as this linked article explores.
Related history from Carolyn
McCaskill, a professor at Gallaudet University's Department of ASL and
Deaf Studies, explains how deaf African Americans show their shared
identity through BASL, beginning with her experience in Mobile Alabama
via this supplemental video (link).
Some hope as we hold fast to the dream of creating progress: Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (part of Gallaudet) signing BLM's guiding principles with this linked video:
*Most
members of the Deaf community use identity-first language, however it
is a best practice to ask and get a clear understanding of how a person
with a disability would like to be identified. We value consent as a
community, as well as the agency of a person with a disability to decide
how they, and their experiences, are represented by others. We
encourage everyone to provide that respect.
We must avoid paternalism and internalized ableism by making
assumptions about the wishes of others and speak from our own concerns,
even if it's to discern supplemental information that has been shared
via direct communication. Accessibility and Disability Services wants
to follow up on disability-related questions and concerns from anyone,
especially allies, who may benefit from more information about
disability-related rumors, concerns and questions via email:
slazar@umbc.edu, phone 410-455-5745 (it's forwarded and has voicemail)
and our online reporting form (link).
We appreciate all that our community partners and allies do to
co-create a welcoming and inclusive community for people with
disabilities.
**Am I Next? Written and Produced by
Natasha Ofili & Storm Smith