Hello Fellow ARIDians!
We live in a time when social media accounts for a large portion of most people’s social activity. These new ways of interacting allow us to connect with people and ideas that we may not otherwise encounter. I am excited to present this fun article by guest author Ashley Harper (ARID’s new Technology Committee Chair)!
If you are active on Instagram, chances are you follow celebrities, food bloggers, maybe even the adorably displeased Grumpy Cat (like I do). If you are not active on Instagram, I suggest you stop reading this right now, pick up your phone, download the app, and open an account. I am about to introduce you to eight people and organizations that celebrate Deafness, helping spread awareness daily through social media. These wonderful people not only use their platform for education and advocacy, they are Deafies, performers, interpreters, and artists of the like. Get ready to spend your lunch hour browsing the videos and photos of some awe-inspiring people. You can thank me later.
@aslnyc (American Sign Language NYC)
asl nyc is a group located in Manhattan that offers American Sign Language courses and mentorships.
@signedwithheart (Ashley Clark Fry)
Ashley Clark Fry is a social media crusader using outlets like Instagram for ASL lessons in under 15 seconds. Ashley, who is Deaf, was a recipient of NAD’s #NADHandwave award January 2015 for her advocacy through social media.
Nancy Rourke is a renowned Deaf artist who’s work can be found at Gallaudet University, the American School for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology, and many, many more prestigious locations. She is the recipient of an extensive number of awards from various organization including De’VIA, a movement that celebrates Deaf artists.
@equalaccess (Equal Access Resources)
Equal Access Resources is an organization found on the east coast made up of Deaf and hearing interpreters to provide resources to businesses serving the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Deaf-Blind communities. This Instagram account provides ASL challenges and Deaf culture lessons.
DeafNation, Inc is an organization that covers all things Deaf. Follow their account to see what’s going on with Deaf communities within and outside of the United States.
ASL Slam is a traveling organization that gives a spotlight for ASL performers nationwide.
@nad1880 (National Association of the Deaf)
The National Association of the Deaf regularly posts trivia, news, cultural and historical references, and so much more.
I hope you enjoyed this read. Keep an eye out for a feature on different figures and organizations that use Facebook to inform, educate, and entertain our Deaf world and interpreting profession.