“Deafhood is a process to decolonize our mind, body and spirt from colonization.”
Dr. Paddy Ladd
Being Deaf is a positive identity, not a disability
Contrary to what many doctors and educational “experts” may have told you, being Deaf is not a disability, not a pathology and not a condition that needs to be fixed or cured.
Deaf people who have full access to sign language, socialization, education and all other aspects of society have every potential to be healthy and functioning individuals.
Deaf, not deaf
Deaf Counseling Center believes in inclusivity and uses the capitalized Deaf to refer to all Deaf children and adults with multiple identities in addition to being Deaf, no matter their hearing level, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, educational background, language, use of communication tools, or use of visual and auditory technology, and so on. Deaf Counseling Center supports and cherishes multiple identities.
Audism and oppression hurt
Mental health cannot exist where there is oppression. All forms of -isms – audism, sexism, racism, ageism, heterosexism and so on – take a negative toll on individual and collective mental health. Our counselors see everyday just how pervasive oppression can be.
American Sign Language = 100% communication access
Full access to language is a human right. As the natural language of Deaf people, ASL facilitates cognitive, emotional and social development, all of which are critical foundations of mental health and well-being.
NOTE: We use the word “Deaf” as an inclusive term for all Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, late-deafened, CI users, and other identities.