When many people think of the deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) community, they often picture individuals using sign language, particularly American Sign Language (ASL). Sign language interpreters are commonly seen at public events, and sign language advocacy tends to dominate conversations around accessibility.
For example, Gallaudet University research estimates that 500,000 to 2 million people in the U.S. use ASL. According to the 2010-2018 National Health Interview Surveys, only 2.8% of adults (both hearing and deaf) in the U.S. use sign language. With approximately 48 million D/HH people in the U.S., this leaves the vast majority—the “silent majority”—relying on other forms of communication.
This group’s needs often go unaddressed in favor of more visible sign language users, even though the non-signing D/HH population is far larger. It’s time we acknowledge the diversity of the D/HH community and ensure accessibility solutions that work for everyone.
My Experience as Part of the Silent Majority
As a deaf person who does not primarily use sign language, I have experienced the challenges faced by the silent majority firsthand. While I’m fluent in ASL now, I didn’t learn it until adulthood, and it took me about seven years to master. Like many others in this group, I rely on various communication methods such as captions, lip-reading, spoken language, and written text for most of my interactions.
Despite knowing ASL, I use it in specific contexts and do not rely on it day-to-day. Yet, accessibility efforts often assume that all deaf people communicate the same way—through sign language. This assumption is not only inaccurate but exclusionary, creating barriers for people who do not fit the default mold.
Deafness Is Not a Monolith
A key misunderstanding about the D/HH community is the belief that deafness is a uniform experience. In reality, the community is incredibly diverse. Some individuals are culturally Deaf, with sign language as their primary language. Others, like me, may be fluent in sign language but rely primarily on spoken and written communication. Then there are many people with varying degrees of hearing loss who have little to no exposure to sign language, communicate primarily through spoken language and written text, and rely on hearing devices.
It’s also important to note that sign language is not universal. Each country has its own unique sign languages, just as they have distinct spoken languages. For example, American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are completely different from one another—more so than the differences between American and British English. Even a fluent ASL user may not understand BSL and might need access via English text instead.
This diversity requires a more nuanced approach to accessibility. While sign language interpreters are vital for some, they are not the solution for everyone. Non-signing D/HH individuals often benefit more from services like captions, assistive listening devices, and text-based communications. A one-size-fits-all approach to accessibility does not serve a community as varied as this one.
The Consequences of Overlooking the Silent Majority
Overemphasizing sign language as the default accommodation for D/HH individuals can have unintended consequences. Public events, workplaces, and educational institutions often provide sign language interpreters as the primary, and sometimes only, accessibility option. However, this can exclude non-signing individuals, leaving them with inadequate support.
I personally experienced this during my time in college. I was denied real-time captioning and was only offered ASL interpreters, despite the fact that I barely knew any sign language at the time. Following along in class was very difficult. When I raised my concerns with the disability coordinator—who was culturally Deaf—my needs were dismissed, and I was told how “wonderful” ASL was. This experience is not unique; many oral deaf people are automatically offered sign language interpreters, while their actual communication preferences, such as captions, assistive listening devices, or quieter spaces, are ignored.
Moving Toward Inclusive Accessibility
To ensure true accessibility for all D/HH individuals, it is essential to broaden your understanding of the diverse needs of deaf and hard of hearing people and tailor it to those needs. A more inclusive approach would recognize that deafness is not monolithic and provide accommodations that reflect this diversity.
Here are some key steps organizations can take to better serve the non-signing deaf and hard of hearing community:
- Offer Multiple Options: Don’t assume sign language interpreters will meet the needs of all D/HH individuals. Provide a variety of communication access services depending on their needs.
- Leverage Technology: Invest in and promote some technologies that benefit the non-signing majority, such as speech-to-text apps, real-time captions, and assistive listening devices. These are some examples of essential tools for bridging the communication gap.
- Challenge Assumptions: Increase awareness about the diversity within the D/HH community. Not all deaf people communicate through sign language, and recognizing this is crucial to fostering true inclusion
A Call to Action: Partner with Me for Customized Accessibility Solutions
As a B2B accessibility consultant with lived experience of deafness, I bring a unique perspective on the diverse needs within the D/HH community. My consulting and training services focus on raising awareness about the different facets of deafness and providing tailored solutions that ensure no one is left behind.
If your organization is ready to move beyond traditional approaches and embrace true inclusivity, I invite you to connect with me.
Together, we can create environments that respect and meet the needs of all deaf and hard of hearing people, whether they sign or not. Let’s ensure the silent majority is heard, and that accessibility becomes a reality for everyone.
