Deaf Identity, Accessibility, and Inclusion
Sea Change CoLab
Imagine having the tools, experience, and confidence to create transformational learning.
What does it mean to be Deaf in a hearing world? How can we create truly accessible spaces? Holly Green, a queer, Indigenous, and Deaf advocate from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, shared their experiences on the podcast Accessibility Ally. Holly, along with ASL interpreter Mae Striteman, offer insights into Deaf identity, language, and the everyday experience of navigating an inaccessible world.
Embracing Identity: Deaf with a Capital D
Holly identifies as both Deaf and disabled. In Deaf culture, there’s a distinction between “big D” and “little d” deaf. “Big D” Deaf refers to those who embrace Deaf culture, use sign language, and are part of a larger community. Meanwhile, “little d” deaf often describes those who have lost hearing later in life or rely more on spoken language. For Holly, being Deaf is central to their identity, and they work to help Deaf children develop their own sense of self.
ASL vs. English: More Than Just a Language
ASL (American Sign Language) is a fully developed language with its own grammar, structure, and cultural nuances. One of its biggest differences from English? It’s direct. “English is vague. ASL uses your whole body,” Holly explains. With facial expressions, body language, and signing, ASL captures meaning in a way that English often can’t. Yet, because English is dominant, Deaf people must constantly adapt to a system that wasn’t built for them.
The Emotional Toll of Inaccessibility
Imagine wanting to attend a play or a conference but having to fight just to get an interpreter. For Holly, this is a regular frustration. “Accessibility is everything,” she says. “It should be in place before I even have to ask.” Too often, the burden falls on Deaf individuals to demand accommodations, making events feel more like a battle than an opportunity to participate.
领英推荐
Rural vs. Urban Experiences
Surprisingly, Holly has found Yarmouth to be more accepting than Halifax. In rural areas, people seem more willing to adapt. “I thought it would be the opposite,” she admits, but in small communities, people are often quick to adjust when they meet someone with different needs.
How to Be an Ally
Want to support Deaf inclusion? Start by making accessibility the norm, not an afterthought. Businesses and organizations can:
And for individuals? It’s simple: be open, patient, and willing to learn. When you meet a Deaf person, look at them—not their interpreter. Be direct, and don’t be afraid to ask how best to communicate.
The Bottom Line
Accessibility in action means removing barriers before they even appear. Holly’s story is a reminder that inclusion isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about shifting mindsets. Whether in urban or rural spaces, workplaces, or daily interactions, creating a more accessible world starts with recognizing that access is a right, not a privilege.