Film shown today reveals biases against hearing-impaired people

In an effort to bridge the gap between those who can and cannot hear, the film "Audism -- Unveiled" will be shown at 1 p.m. today at the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, 1913 Rusmar St.

First coined in 1975 by Tom Humphries, audism is defined as "the notion that one is superior based on one's ability to hear or to behave in the manner of one who hears." Audism is judging people on their ability to hear.

The documentary uses real-life experiences from deaf people of varied social, racial and educational backgrounds to show how audism does lasting and harmful damage.

"People just assume that because they can't hear that they're not educated, they're not intelligent," said Maria Bunster, director of deaf and hard-of-hearing services at SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence.

Bunster said she's heard "silly questions" that qualify as audism, including "do the deaf drive?" and "can they read?"

"People have this mindset that if people are deaf they can't do anything," she said. "I felt it was really important to tear down those walls."

Bunster said she and her staff interpreter, Melanie Erlbacher, will lead the event today. She said they are expecting 50 to 60 deaf people from as far away as St. Louis, Caruthersville, Mo., and Dexter, Mo. Following the hourlong documentary attendees will have a chance to share their stories. The event is free and open to the public.

"These are stories that you should hear because they will touch your heart."

Bunster started the deaf and hard-of-hearing services at SADI in February.

"I want the deaf and hearing to come together as a team. We're a community," Bunster said. "This movie really clearly shares the suffering and sadness that the deaf have experienced."

Challenging viewers

The documentary was filmed in sign language with no voice-over; however, it has both English and Spanish subtitles for the signing-impaired. This twist on the conventional statement for the hearing-impaired, Bunster said, challenges viewers to think differently.

"It's a big reversal. It really helps you understand from a deaf perspective what they experience every day."

While the word audism may be new to some, its meaning has been known for many years. In fact, American Sign Language was officially discouraged in schools and wasn't recognized as a language for decades.

Bunster said that as a child of deaf adults she remembers that her parents never left home without a writing pad and pencil.

"In my day, the interpreter was a family member. Maybe a neighbor knew sign language," she said. "People couldn't understand that communication."

Whether it be a church service, parent-teacher conference or doctor appointment, Bunster interpreted the spoken words for her parents.

"Imagine a child trying to interpret for their parents today. It just kind of boggles your mind," she said.

Bunster said the gradual acceptance of sign language and incorporation of professional interpreters can make the world a more accessible place for the deaf community.

"People are starting to understand the importance of communication. Now we have interpreters. It's a profession people work very hard towards."

Pertinent addresses:

SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, SADI

1913 Rusmar St.