How The White House Discriminates Against Deaf And Hard-of-Hearing Citizens
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

How The White House Discriminates Against Deaf And Hard-of-Hearing Citizens

14
How The White House Discriminates Against Deaf And Hard-of-Hearing Citizens

Twenty-five years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed to ensure equal rights and opportunities to individuals with disabilities. However, there are over 28 million Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in the United States who aren't receiving equal access to information that the White House publishes on social media.

The White House often uses video as the chosen medium for releasing information to the public. However, these videos often are not closed captioned at the point of publication. This makes it difficult for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals to accurately receive the information from the direct source. Most wouldn't consider this “equal,” and think that the White House could easily provide captions for their videos as soon as they post them. It would only make sense for them to do this, as they're not currently adhering to both the Americans with Disabilities Act and Rehabilitation Act.

Now there is a movement to tell the White House that they need to uphold their own laws and caption their content, so that all of their citizens can make more educated decisions. This movement is being led by Braam Jordaan, a film maker and leader in the Deaf community. He posted a video on Facebook about the issue, and urged viewers to message the White House and political leaders while using the hastag #WHccNow.

Watch the video without captions, then watch it again with them on Braam's site.

Think about your frustration of not knowing what he's signing about, and then multiply it, because this is what the Deaf community has to deal with on a daily basis. There's no excuse for this unfair treatment of citizens who should have the same rights as hearing citizens.

This movement has been endorsed by various Deaf organizations, individuals, and allies. One of the most prominent supporters is the most recent "America’s Next Top Model" winner, Nyle DiMarco, who is also Deaf.


Clearly, many people see this as a problem that needs to be addressed. So join the movement and tweet the White House (@whitehouse) with #WHccNow, so that they can change their ways and stop discriminating.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58604
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37787
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959357
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

194355
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments