Amid a Global Pandemic, a Global Community is Forgotten: Amplifying the Voices in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, has swept through the globe, disrupting many people’s lives and routines, sadly, in some cases, ending lives. Leaders all around world have taken precautions such as shutting down businesses and schools, enforcing stay at home orders, advising social distancing, and encouraging people to wear masks to contain and minimize the risks of spreading the virus. In the midst of a global pandemic, few considerations have been made in regard to a community that is not bound to one country. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing community has been impacted in various ways that have not been considered when making new policy changes and safety measures concerning the virus. The pandemic has pulled the curtains to expose the further isolation, exclusion, and vulnerability this community faces every day. This presentation will dive deeper into the impacts the pandemic has caused as well as amplify the voices within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. 

Lorra Hernon, Nursing ‘21

First-generation student, airman, and spouse, she currently serves at McChord Air Force Base in the Air Force Reserves as a fuel systems mechanic. She continues her journey this fall as a senior nursing student at Seattle University. As someone who grew up with Deaf parents, she has witnessed first and second hand how this world does not favor someone who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has seen the further exclusion and marginalization for her parents and this community. Needless to say, there has been progress within society to support the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, but at what expense? Although the safety precautions benefit the majority, this community’s well-being should not be thought of last. There is absolute dignity in all human life; therefore Lorra hopes to increase Deaf awareness for further allyship and inclusion of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community when discussing the pandemic.