I have come across more than one comment that makes it clear some consider the requirement to learn English a form of audism toward deaf people. I am unconvinced. In the following discussion I am referring strictly to reading and writing English; speaking English is a completely different matter and must be handled on a case by case basis.

Having a good command of written English is essential in this country. This is not limited to deaf people. Everyone benefits from improved English skills. It doesn’t even matter whether one is a native speaker or not.

Good English skills enhance the possibility of getting and keeping a job. Being able to read English is a lifesaver in terms of health and lifestyle choices. Even the ability to protect oneself from being taken advantage of is assisted with a good command of the language.

I do not believe this is discrimination specifically against the deaf; it’s discrimination against non-native speakers regardless of auditory background. Whenever I hear about deaf people being taken advantage of especially through the isolation that happens in this country when English is poorly understood, especially when by other deaf people, I’m reminded of when I first heard about certain groups of Vietnamese who used to prey on other Vietnamese, more recently arrived, who did not understand English, and tended to trust others “like them.” Sound familiar?

Clearly the high interest in ESL classes and similar classes to help non native speakers achieve fluency give testimony to the importance placed on understanding English in this country. (The same argument applies in any country, in my opinion: just substitute the dominant language in the argument laid out here.)

What I do consider audism is the expectation that deaf people will have trouble with English or the notion that deaf people are not capable of learning English very well anyway. Those notions are more destructive to us, I think, than any expectation of literacy can be.