POSITION STATEMENTS
Declaration on the Rights of Deaf Children
The MDHAC Board commends and supports the World Federation for the Deaf (WFD) in making a declaration on the rights of Deaf Children worldwide consisting of ten crucial articles, that articulates the fundamental rights of Deaf children. We believe this is crucially needed in the United States of America. Thus, we urge everyone examine the Declaration, and work to collaborate with parents and schools to actualize these rights for all Deaf Children, enabling strong bilingual language skills and cultural identity. For further details, please visit https://wfdeaf.org/rightsdeafchildren/
Capitalized Term Deaf is Inclusive
Alyce Slater Reynolds, in 2017, represents Deafhood Foundation's position that the use of capital "D" for the word Deaf is an inclusive word that includes all individuals who may self-identify as Hard of Hearing, little "d" deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Late-Deafened.
Unite Against Hate
Barry Solomon, in 2017, expresses Deafhood Foundation's grief in watching the news unfold on the hate shown and violence displayed within the Unite the Right rally in Charlotteville, VA. Barry reiterates Deafhood Foundation's position that not only do we fight audism, but we fight all forms of "-isms".
Black Lives Matter
Ella Mae Lentz, in 2016, exemplifies Deafhood Foundation's position that Black Lives Matter, including the lives of Black Deaf people. We must fight against oppression and police brutality. We must understand more, learn more, and look inside ourselves to check our own racism.
Activism Plays a Vital Role
Marvin Marvin, in 2015, elucidates Deafhood Foundation's position that activism in all the various forms of expression plays a vital role in the health of the Deaf community. Activism helps to confront systemic audism and build roads to a better Deaf ecosystem.
Open Letters to National Association of the Deaf (NAD) & Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD)
Banning of Signed Languages was Wrong
Butch Zein, in 2010, explains Deafhood Foundation's position that the banning of Signed Languages around the world, including American Sign Language (ASL) in the United States, was wrong and appreciates the apology by the International Congress on the Education of the Deaf (ICED) and their recognition of the damages it caused.