Audism

Audism

Audism is a term used to describe the belief that the ability to hear makes one superior to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. It encompasses a range of attitudes, behaviors, and practices that discriminate against individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Audism can manifest in various forms, including individual prejudice, institutional discrimination, and cultural bias.

History

The term "audism" was first coined by Tom L. Humphries in 1975. Humphries used the term to describe the notion that life without hearing is futile and miserable, and that deaf people are inherently inferior to hearing people. Since then, the concept of audism has been expanded and explored by scholars and activists within the Deaf community.

Forms of Audism

Audism can be expressed in several ways, including:

• Individual Audism: This includes personal biases and prejudices against deaf individuals. Examples include assuming that deaf people cannot drive, work, or lead fulfilling lives.

• Institutional Audism: This refers to policies and practices within organizations and institutions that disadvantage deaf individuals. For example, a workplace that does not provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for meetings is practicing institutional audism.

• Cultural Audism: This involves the promotion of hearing culture as superior to deaf culture. It can include the belief that deaf people should assimilate into hearing society by learning to speak and lip-read rather than using sign language.

Impact of Audism

Audism can have significant negative impacts on the lives of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. It can lead to social isolation, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and psychological distress. Audism can also perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions about deafness and deaf culture.

Combating Audism

Efforts to combat audism include promoting awareness and understanding of deaf culture, advocating for the rights of deaf individuals, and ensuring accessibility in all areas of life. Organizations such as the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) work to protect the civil rights of deaf and hard of hearing people and to promote equality and inclusion.

Also see

• Deaf culture
• American Sign Language
• Discrimination
• Ableism
• Hearing loss