Deaf Student Abused by OxNard College Professor
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The National Deaf Center (NDC) recently posted this article about negative attitudes and biases toward individuals who are deaf or have limited hearing.
Recently you may have seen this story circulating about the Oxnard College professor and their actions against a deaf student. Warning: the original video captures a disturbing interaction between a professor and a deaf student to which the professor berates the deaf student and accuses them of being too distracted to know what is going on and not responding right away while using communication services. The story is another example of negative attitudes and biases toward people with limited hearing.
NDC’s research identifies negative attitudes and biases as one of several root causes contributing to attainment gaps for deaf people. While this glaring example of audism was on full display for the world, many instances go unchecked and deaf students continue to face barriers, discrimination, and micro-aggressions. Research shows…
“Negative perceptions and attitudes about deaf students on campus can deter motivation in the classroom and add unnecessary obstacles to receiving appropriate supports and accommodations. The attitudes of teachers and other professionals influence how deaf individuals view themselves and can affect their goals.” (ACCESS Is More Than Accommodations: 2018-2019 Deaf College Student National Accessibility Report, p. 11)
“Negative attitudes toward deaf individuals are created and perpetuated by societal beliefs and behaviors that assume the superiority of hearing over deaf individuals.” (Attitudes Towards Deaf Individuals , p. 2)
Fostering accessible learning environments, free of negative attitudes and biases, can support deaf success. Professionals who receive training on working with deaf people reported more positive attitudes about deafness. To support faculty and instructors working with deaf students, NDC offers a variety of tools and resources that promote deaf awareness and cultural sensitivity:
Deaf 101 (E-learning course)
Attitudes and Biases as Barriers for Deaf People (E-learning course)
Instructional Strategies for Deaf Student Success (E-learning course)
Teaching Deaf Students Online (E-learning course)
Tips for Instructors: Teaching Deaf Students Online
Checklist for Teaching Deaf Students Online
Crafting a Letter of Accommodations for Faculty
FAQ: This is my first time teaching a deaf student, what should I keep in mind?