Working With the Deaf

We observe Deaf History Month from March 13th to April 15th, but you can work with hearing-impaired people all year round. Kidzworld has some volunteer info for you to check out!

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Did you know that you don't have to know sign language to work with hearing-impaired people? It's great if you know how to sign, but there are other ways of communicating, like asking them to read your lips, writing down notes on a pad of paper, or using a sign language interpreter. But if you'd like to learn sign language, just head down to your local community center to register for classes.

From the 'Hood to Around the World

There are lots of places to volunteer, even in your own neighborhood! There are camps and clubs for deaf children, where you'll have opportunities to play sports, do arts and crafts, or explore the outdoors together. You can also take it to an international scale and volunteer with The International Deaf Children's Society (IDCS), which helps deaf children around the world, especially in third-world countries. A couple of ways to get involved with the IDCS are to donate some of your allowance or hold a fundraiser at your school to collect cash for the organization. All the money goes to things like setting up sign language courses and buying hearing aid kits for kids.

Did U Know?

When hearing-impaired people want to get someone's attention, they'll wave their hands, stomp their feet, or flash their lights three times.

When it comes to lip reading, only about 30% of speech is visible on the lips. That means that out of a sentence of 10 words, a deaf person can only read a few words.

You know how football teams huddle between plays? That was created in 1894 by the Gallaudet University football team, who would sign in a tight circle to prevent other teams from reading their sign language and finding out what their next play would be!

Related Stories:

Dealing With Deafness

History of Sign Language

Working With Seniors

More Great Volunteer Opportunities!