Silence Is Not Silence

The narratives and experiences of the deaf or hard-of-hearing community conspicuously remain marginalized within mainstream media. In response, we have embarked on a journey to connect with and interview individuals across diverse backgrounds within the deaf community, aiming to amplify their stories and foster a more inclusive representation in media.

EP. 01

Between Two Worlds: A CODA's Tale

This is the story of how a Philadelphia girl became a senior lecturer of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture at the University of Pennsylvania. As one of the only two children in her family without hearing impairment (CODA), Jami Fisher lives in a world that is both silent and noisy. Let's listen together to the melody of her heart (CODA) and discover how she found her place between these two worlds.

EP. 02

“Nothing about us Without us"

In this episode, Jami will take us on a captivating exploration of the current state of deaf communities around the globe, the fascinating "dialects" of sign language, and the perspectives of deaf individuals in the United States on cochlear implants. Get ready for an eye-opening experience!

EP. 03

Dugout Coffee&Brunch — A Haven from the Bustle

Beyond its exterior, lies a silent warmth that resonates within - the coffee served here is crafted by deaf baristas. In a world where their perspectives are often overlooked, Dugout creates a space where everyone can step into their world, simply through the language of coffee.

Conversation with Deaf Coffee

We visited the "Deaf Cafe" in Hangzhou, where we had the opportunity to speak with its owner. During our visit, we learned about the fascinating origins of this small coffee shop, the challenges they encountered in operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the hope they have for increased interaction between the hearing and deaf communities.

Conversation with deaf barista

We visited a deaf barista who lives and works in Suzhou. She graduated from Suzhou Special School and found her job opportunity at the "Sign Language Cafe." She shared with us her dream of opening her own business and baking desserts.

Conversation with the only sign language lawyer in China and his lawyer firm

We visited Huadai Law Firm in Chongqing, which is the only law firm in China that can provide accurate legal services for the deaf community. During our visit, I spoke with the lawyers there, and they shared stories about the cases they have handled, the challenges faced by the deaf community, and the dilemma the law firm is facing as they are helping the deaf, mostly for free.

Dugout Coffee

During our visit to a coffee shop in Shanghai, we were impressed to learn that they have taken a significant step towards inclusivity by hiring deaf individuals and providing training tailored to their needs. This initiative not only exemplifies a powerful message of advocating for inclusiveness but also champions sustainability. By creating meaningful employment opportunities for the deaf community and emphasizing the importance of sustainability, the coffee shop stands as a beacon of social responsibility and positive change in the community.

Conversation with hard-of-hearing UWCer

During our conversation, we had the opportunity to speak with our classmate, who is hard-of-hearing. He shared his inspiring journey of battling mental health issues and depression stemming from his hearing impairment. He discussed the challenges he faced and the strategies he employed to overcome these obstacles, ultimately shaping him into the resilient individual he is today. His story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and provides valuable insights into the experiences of individuals dealing with hearing-related challenges and mental health issues.