Visiting a local government office is often challenging for the Deaf. Some Deaf are courageous enough to overcome the communication barrier with basic gestures while many decide to avoid the difficulties of public communication altogether. The unfortunate reality is that the communication gap isolates many Deaf from the public. As advocates for our Deaf brothers […]
Claudio thought that all he needed to communicate with his Deaf son were basic gestures and body language. When his son enrolled in school and learned sign language, Claudio soon realized how much he was missing. Claudio’s son, Dayjhay, actually had a lot to say, and Claudio could now see how limited their communication really
It had been a tense few weeks, and the pressure was building at Bohol Deaf Academy (BDA) as students pushed through challenging projects and exams. One sunny day on September 26, 2017, the atmosphere suddenly changed from one of intense pressure to excitement. Maricel leapt into the sunshine with eager eyes and a wide grin.
Joross and Glenda have been very excited for August to come. Both of them spent their weekends searching for the best traditional Filipino attire to wear for their school culmination activity during the National Language Month celebration. Joross and Glenda are both in the 7th grade and this was their first opportunity to participate in
An IDEA documentary, named “Amang,” follows the story of a nine-year-old Deaf named Aires. Like so many Deaf children growing up in the Philippines, she did not attend school. Instead, she stayed home to do chores like washing clothes and taking care of her younger siblings. Education for a Deaf child was simply out of
The students were beaming with self-fulfillment as they received their graduation diplomas and achievement awards. Their parents couldn’t keep their eyes dry as they recalled the countless sacrifices that gave the moment special meaning. Their teachers’ faces lit up to see their students achieving a great milestone in their lives. The Commencement, or Moving
Have you ever wondered how a Deaf child sings praises to God? How do they hear and understand God’s words? How do they share their faith? Many of the Deaf students at IDEA have attended church with their families and have a basic church upbringing. Unfortunately, most churches lack deaf interpreters. As a result, some
