SERVING DEAF PATRONS IN THE LIBRARY:Part 1presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S.

QUESTION

In what kind of library do you work? Public library School Library (K-12) College or university library Special collections Special needs library Other

Overview: Part 1

Terminology What you need to know about deafness Looking at your library through deaf eyes American Sign Language Basic signs for the library Developing your collection Resources Q&A

Overview: Part 2

Review Varieties of sign language Your library’s legal obligations in serving

deaf patrons Finding, hiring, and working with

interpreters Video Relay Service Q&A

In what kind of library do you work? Public library School Library (K-12) College or university library Special collections Special needs library Other

QUESTION

Appropriate terms to refer to a person with a hearing loss include which of the following? deaf mute deaf or hard-of-hearing hearing impaired deaf and dumb

ANSWER

Appropriate terms to refer to a person with a hearing loss include: deaf mute

deaf or hard-of-hearing

hearing impaired

deaf and dumb

QUESTION

What is the difference between “deaf” and “Deaf”?a) Someone who is “deaf” has a mild hearing loss, while

someone who is “Deaf” has a profound hearing loss.b) Someone who is “deaf” has a hearing loss, while

someone who is “Deaf” is a member of a cultural group.

c) Someone who is “deaf” does not consider him/herself to be part of a cultural group, while someone who is “Deaf” does.

d) Someone who is “deaf” would never use sign language, while someone who is “Deaf” would always use sign language.

ANSWER

What is the difference between “deaf” and “Deaf”?a) Someone who is “deaf” has a mild hearing loss, while

someone who is “Deaf” has a profound hearing loss.b) Someone who is “deaf” has a hearing loss, while

someone who is “Deaf” is a member of a cultural group.

c) Someone who is “deaf” does not consider him/herself to be part of a cultural group, while someone who is “Deaf” does.

d) Someone who is “deaf” would never use sign language, while someone who is “Deaf” would always use sign language.

American Deaf Culture:

The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors, based on shared experience, of the deaf community in the United States.

QUESTION

What percentage of deaf people have deaf parents? 10% 25% 75% 90%

ANSWER

What percentage of deaf people have deaf parents? 10% 25% 75% 90%

Central Values of American Deaf Culture

Access to communication Deafness does not need to be “fixed” Community American Sign Language Deaf Culture traditions, art, and

storytelling Clarity of communication

EARth and EYEth

EARth EYEthears eyeshearing impaired Deaflisten with ears listen with eyesTechnology of sound Technology of

sightAttention getting Attention

getting

QUESTION

You see two people standing in a narrow hallway signing to one another. You need to get to the other end of the hallway. There is only a little bit of space behind them to squeeze by. What is the most polite thing to do?

a) Get their attention, say or sign “Excuse me”, and walk between them.

b) Crouch down and creep through them, so you don’t block their conversation.

c) Do your best to squeeze behind one of them so you don’t have to walk through their conversation.

d) Walk quickly between them, saying or signing “excuse me”.

ANSWER

You see two people standing in a narrow hallway signing to one another. You need to get to the other end of the hallway. There is only a little bit of space behind them to squeeze by. What is the most polite thing to do?

a) Get their attention, say or sign “Excuse me”, and walk between them.

b) Crouch down and creep through them, so you don’t block their conversation.

c) Do your best to squeeze behind one of them so you don’t have to walk through their conversation.

d) Walk quickly between them, saying or signing “excuse me”.

Manners Signshttp://youtu.be/jzy07Pcsl7Q

The Library Through Deaf Eyes Consider the visual layout Is signage direct and easy to

understand? Is it in logical places? Remember that English is a second

language for many deaf people. Can you add picture cues to make it clearer

and more appealing? Is there “signage overload”?

Tips for Communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Customers

Keep your face and lips visible. Choose a location that is well-lit and

away from background noise. Avoid standing with your back to any

light source. Look directly at the person with whom

you are talking. To get the person’s attention, tap his or

her shoulder or arm, or wave your hand.

Tips for Communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Customers

Make sure the person is looking at you before you speak, sign, or gesture.

Speak naturally—don’t shout, exaggerate, or speak very slowly

Use natural facial expressions and gestures and any signs you may know

Use pencil and paper to communicate if necessary, but be aware that English may be the deaf person’s second language

Use simple language and avoid unnecessary words

QUESTION

True or False?:Sign language is

universal.

FALSE!

American Sign Language is:

The sign language of the deaf community in the United States and most of Canada

A real language with its own grammar and syntax

NOT related to English

Did you know?

80% of American Sign Language is conveyed through the face and body, NOT the hands.

American Sign Language developed from: French Sign Language Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language Home signs

Library Signs 1

http://youtu.be/-ObsgmOPvsE

Library Signs 2

http://youtu.be/wbMKb9E5adk

Library Signs 3

http://youtu.be/292569IOZrk

Library Signs Quiz

After practicing your library signs with the previous videos, quiz yourself here:

Library Signs Quiz: http://youtu.be/a4UA8QBP6_o

Answer Sheet can be found at:www.kathymacmillan.com/

librarysigns.html

The Manual Alphabet

A way of representing English words Not a substitute for signs, but valuable

to know Fingerspelling charts, practice, and

fonts: http://asl.ms/

Collection Development Considerations for Sign Language Materials What is the visual quality? What are the credentials of the authors or producers? Does the book or video place the language in an

appropriate context for its audience? Is the information current? Does the material acknowledge the wide variety among

deaf people and users of sign language? Does the book or video state clearly whether it is depicting

ASL or Signed English? Is the content appropriate to the audience? For DVDs: Is the program accessible? What is the technical quality?

Resources to Know

Online ASL dictionaries: www.aslpro.com www.signingsavvy.com

The Red Notebook: Deaf Resources @ Your Library: www.folda.net Try Your Hand at This!: Easy Ways to Incorporate Sign Language Into

Your Programs by Kathy MacMillan. (Scarecrow Press, 2006) "Hands-On Collection Building: A librarian offers tips for sign

language materials selection" by Kathy MacMillan. School Library Journal, March 2003. http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA386730.html

For Hearing People Only: answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Deaf community, its culture, and the "Deaf reality"  by Matthew S. Moore and Linda Levitan ; with a foreword by Harlan Lane. (Deaf Life Press, 1993)

Through Deaf Eyes (DVD). (PBS Home Video, 2007) Audism Unveiled (DVD). (DawnSignPress, 2008)

Questions?

Thank you!

See www.kathymacmillan.com for resources, tips, and to sign up for my e-newsletter!