Monday 29 July 2013

Strategies to Avoid Audism in Adult Educational Settings

an article by Sheryl Ballenger (University of Georgia, Athens, USA) published in Adult Learning Volume 24 Number 3 (August 2013)

Abstract

Humphries first defined the term audism as “the notion that one is superior based on one’s ability to hear or behave in the manner of one who hears”. Audism is a prejudice related to the physical hearing condition of the human body. The point of this article is not to substantiate or negate the term’s importance but to inform adult educators of the issues of oppression surrounding the term.

The purpose of this article is to explore the basis and origins of audism, literature supporting the idea of audism, experiences labelled as audism, implications of audism in the field of adult education, and strategies to avoid five common pitfalls of adult educators.

Understanding the term, and its usefulness to some individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, will benefit adult educators and provide strategies to avoid audism in adult education environments.

Hazel’s comment:
I had never heard of audism until I read this piece. Lots of other isms but not this one.


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