Bridging the Gap—Hosting Deaf Students from Around the World
Sharon Hayes coordinates the inte
rnational
internship program for scholars at Gallaudet University. With a master’s
degree from Gallaudet’s Administration and Supervision/Special Education
Program, Hayes has maintained a lifelong interest in deaf and hard of
hearing people around the world.
WAY: How did you become interested in the international
deaf community? Hayes: I was born in New York, a city where there
are many deaf people from other countries. My parents took me to deaf
clubs and I met many international deaf people. Also, my sister married
a deaf man who was born in Germany. I did too. WAY:
Was your husband’s German origin part of your attraction to him?
Hayes: I think, partly, yes. I liked the different culture and enjoyed
learning about and being a part of it. WAY: Do deaf
people around the world share a culture? Hayes: We share certain
things. We all have a communication barrier with the majority culture.
We have the same needs. But there is also a gap. WAY:
A gap? Hayes: In America, deaf people have captions, the ADA, relay,
interpreters…
higher education, job opportunities…. WAY:
That’s not so for foreign deaf people—even in Europe? Hayes:
Things are slowly improving in some countries. But in Europe and other
countries, the opportunities for deaf people are not the same. WAY:
From what countries has Gallaudet hosted scholars? Hayes: Gallaudet
has hosted scholars from Japan, China, Africa, Norway, Italy,
and Spain. WAY: What is the value of the interning
experience? Hayes: Sharing information, empowerment, developing
leader-ship skills, and meeting other deaf people and professionals. The
experience enables individuals to be active when they return to their
own countries. WAY: No communication barriers with
foreign deaf students? Hayes: Minimal! They learn American Sign
Language and English very fast. WAY: Can you name
any important differences in sign languages? Hayes: Oh, there are
many. For example, the American handshape for T is considered an offensive
sign in Europe. When an American fingerspells in Europe, it is important
to use the European Thandshape. WAY: What do you
recommend for deaf students who want to work in the international
community? Hayes: Learn another language. Seek out foreign people
and talk with them. Learn about what other countries are like. WAY:
Do you have any last comments? Hayes: We need to learn about the
cultures of other lands. Helping to empower deaf foreigners enables them
to work for change in their own countries—and to spread the word
that deaf people can do anything!
Copyright
© 2003 Gallaudet University
Laurent Clerc National Deaf
Education Center
800 Florida Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002
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