- By constructing the CI user as "abled" and the HA user as "disabled," the discourse reinforces the Medical Model of Disability.
- Disability is framed as a consumer choice between prostheses (choosing the "right" device) rather than a social or political issue.
- Ultimately, the formulation of CI satisfaction perpetuates audism by valuing human variation only as a deviation from "imagined perfection".

Reproducing Audism

The CAD defines audism as the direct, indirect, or systemic discrimination against deaf people. 

Canadian Association of the Deaf definition of Audism

Individual Audism refers to the negative assumptions about deaf person regarding their participation in spaces. 

Individual Audism Definition 

Institutional Audism refers to the privledges given to hearing individuals in post-secondary classrooms regarding participation. 

Institutional Audism 

CODA or a Child of a Deaf adult refers to hearing individuals raised by deaf adults. CODAS are typically bilingual in a spoken language and sign language which creates a unique experience and way to interact in the world.

CODA or Child of Deaf Adult

Audism is defined in the text as a hegemonic belief that "one is superior based on one’s ability to hear or to behave in the manner of one who hears"

State University of New York at Binghamton

Deaf culture refers to the shared customs, educational institutions, and languages that characterize communities of deaf individuals, both in the United States and globally.

Deaf Culture

Lester, J. N. (Ed.). (2021). Discursive Psychology and Disability. Palgrave Studies in Discursive Psychology. Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Reference For: Discursive Psychology and Disability

A common perspective views deafness primarily as a physical condition that needs to be treated or cured. Contrast this viewpoint with the perspective of Deaf culture. In your answer, explain how Deaf culture re-frames the experience of being deaf, using at least one specific cultural element as an example.

Perspectives on Deafness: Medical vs. Cultural

Audism

American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary mode of communication for many deaf individuals in the United States. It is a complete visual language, relying entirely on visual signs and gestures without any verbal components.

American Sign Language (ASL)

A significant value within deaf culture is the continuation of its traditions, including the use of sign language. This cultural viewpoint often favors embracing deaf identity over adopting medical interventions like cochlear implants or oralist methods such as lip-reading and speech training.

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