The Kindness Pledge 🤟
- I'll be patient — with others and with myself.
- I'll respect Deaf culture and Deaf people's own voices.
- I'll use what I learn to include, never to tease.
Words that welcome
✅ Deaf, hard of hearing
Instead of “deaf and dumb”, “deaf-mute”
Deaf people have a voice and a language. Many proudly write Deaf with a capital D.
✅ Person with a disability, or what they prefer
Instead of “handicapped”, “suffering from”
Lead with the person — and ask what they prefer.
✅ Sign language user
Instead of “can't talk”
Signing is talking.
When you meet a Deaf person
- Get attention with a gentle wave or a light tap on the shoulder.
- Face them, keep your mouth visible, and speak normally — no shouting.
- Try a sign, gesture, write it down or type it. Every effort counts.
- If someone has an interpreter, talk to the person, not the interpreter.