The White House’s first American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter provides access to information shared from the government to the deaf and hard of hearing community. In televised White House press conferences, TV viewers can see the ASL interpreter, who is deaf, on the right-hand side of their screens. Listen to hear how interpreting White House press conferences into ASL is a team effort, and learn why many in the deaf community prefer an ASL interpreter rather than captions of spoken words.
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April 11, 2022
5:26
The U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as a United States Supreme Court Justice to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer. Judge Jackson will be the first Black woman on the nation’s highest court, the third Black person, and the sixth woman in the court’s history. Jackson’s qualifications include serving as a public defender and a judge, and her landmark confirmation is an inspiration to many. Listen to hear a law student reflect on Jackson’s experience and the significance of this historic event.
Read MoreFebruary 4, 2021
2:07
President Biden is bringing pets back to the White House. After four years without animals, the White House has become home to Biden’s two German shepherds, Major and Champ. Biden adopted the dogs from a shelter, and they are helping to raise awareness of the joys of rescue animals and the benefits that shelters bring to the community. Listen to hear a past president howling with his hound and learn the story of Major’s journey to the Biden household.
Read MoreDecember 8, 2020
2:17
The deaf community is considering how to say “Joe Biden” and “Kamala Harris” in sign language. Each of the country’s newly elected leaders has distinct characteristics, such as wavy hair or trademark sunglasses, that might translate into a sign. With the help of technology, the process of choosing new signs has become more inclusive, increasing the likelihood that they will be culturally sensitive. Listen to hear more about how new signs are chosen, and learn which ones are being considered for Biden and Harris.
Update: Since this story aired, the deaf community has agreed to use a name sign for Vice President Kamala Harris signifying a lotus, which is the meaning of her first name. A name sign has not yet been adopted for President Joe Biden, so fingerspelling is being used to represent him.
Read MoreFebruary 14, 2019
2:31
Some people who are deaf use assistive technology such as hearing aids or cochlear implants to help them hear. Others feel that using assistive technology impacts a deaf person’s identity. One teenager who was born deaf has had cochlear implants since she was a year old, enabling her to hear and speak. As a result, she has felt excluded by members of both the hearing and the Deaf communities. Listen to her reflections on her experience navigating both worlds as someone who is “hearing but deaf.”
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