Surviving the Turmoil: The Struggles of Deaf People in Times of Crisis

As a deaf or hard-of-hearing person, I have always been aware of the challenges that come with living in a world that is dominantly hearing. Discrimination, access to communication, and lack of educational and employment opportunities are just some of the issues that we face on a regular basis. However, in the face of the recent turmoil that the world is experiencing, from wars to pandemics, our struggles have become even more amplified.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it a host of new challenges for deaf people. With mandatory masks and social distancing measures, our already limited access to communication has been further restricted. Even simple things like being able to read lips or facial expressions have become almost impossible, making it harder for us to navigate our daily lives.

In addition, the new pandemic with the Delta variant has only added to the anxiety and fear that we already feel about our future. With news constantly changing and governments struggling to keep up, deaf people are often left out of the loop, unable to access information in a timely or accurate manner.

Wars and other conflicts around the world have also placed the lives of deaf people in danger. Whether it be through the destruction of infrastructure that we rely on, like hospitals and schools, or instances of violence and persecution, we are often left vulnerable and with little support.

In the face of these overwhelming challenges, it is easy to feel hopeless and despairing. But we must remember that as a community, we are strong and resilient. We must use our voices to advocate for our rights and demand that governments and organizations prioritize our needs.

It is also important for us to support each other as much as possible. In times of crisis, we can come together to share information, resources, and emotional support.

As the world continues to face turmoil, we must remember that we are not alone in our struggles. But by staying strong, advocating for our rights, and supporting each other, we can survive and thrive even in the most difficult of times.