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What Do You Think About The Deaf Awareness Month in September?


Welcome to Deaf Awareness Month in September!

You all know how special month this is. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, February is African American Heritage Month, August is Indonesian Independence Month, etc. And, now, we have a special month, Deaf Awareness Month in September. Why September? Union Nations recognized the International Sign Language Day on September 23th and World Federation of the Deaf always celebrate the International Deaf Week on September 20th-30th. 

I was born in Indonesia, where the unfriendly country to Deaf community. We haven't professional and certificated sign language interpreters, 24-hour CART (Communication Access Real Time)/ real-time texting, equal in the law, and others. And, we also have Deaf stigmas/ stereotypes that we've often found. That is cause of information less access and lowest Deaf awareness. Everyone thinks Deaf people are illness because they can't hear, although we all healthy and can do anything except ears. We can drive, we can call with video-telephone, we can cooking, we can dance, we can play music,  and we all can do anything hearing people do. We have sign language interpreters actually but we have only limited sign language interpreters number. They are volunteers. Deaf population in Indonesian reaching almost over 2 million, but sign language interpreter are only below 100 people. that's so really far. So, we all have to working hard to increase the number of sign language interpreter every provinces based on the Deaf population. We all hoping at least 40-50% of their populations between Deaf people and sign language interpreter or persons who know sign language. That takes more needed time and process. 


I'm a Deaf person who was born in Indonesia, definitely, I will be disappointed of what is happening in Indonesia, but I'm still proud of be where I grow up and who am I. I feel that is part of my heritage that I had. So, I have to fight for my dream and country. I take a change for the future of my country and also the Deaf children. Deaf children need a role model. So, I lost role model when I was kid, and, now, it is has role model that from the foreign countries, such as Australia, France, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United States. They are my role model right now, because they are also Deaf people. Role model is crucial in the Deaf children growth. So, we must have Deaf role model who could inspire Deaf children. I hope so that all would be happen.

We all going to build up and grow up well until the present. We and I have to be grateful that how would happen until now. I know the past was bad and darkness, which we had a period of gloom and darkness. But, we going to fine and still working to freedom and equity of humans. So, we feel little proud of ours. But, we still many job that should be finished. So, we will going on! 


I watched a CODA (Children of Deaf Adult) movie and released in August 2021. It was remarkable and crying. I cried a lot of CODA movie. I've never met with CODA people, except I met Deaf family who were born to hearing children but they aren't speak sign language and they taught in the read lips. So, I hope I will meet CODA people who know sign language and Deaf culture. It will be incredible.

My belief to the Lord and dream. I fight for my dream and hope. That's not just mine but the country was I born in. I'm exhausted already on high read lips concentration in all my life. So, I want to speak in sign language which that's part of my Deaf identity and culture. I'm proud of what language I spoke. I need a change to my life and country, so, we all should believing in our mission and dream. We can't lose our hope and dream. Never give up before you will have the energy to take over! 

Well, I'm going to say welcome to Deaf awareness month in September! I hope you will going to happy to celebrate and learn more about Deaf history, culture, and sign language. That's would be fun! Trust in me!

Thanks, everyone!

My favorite Deaf awareness quote:


HAPPY CELEBRATE DEAF AWARENESS MONTH!

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