Allyship means when hearing people support deaf people and work together with them. An ally is someone who supports a better and equal life for deaf people. Good allies are important so deaf people have the same rights as everyone else.
When deaf people have allies, they can better fight against problems they face every day.
What Makes Someone a Good Ally?
A good ally for deaf people does these things:
- Listens to deaf people: Good allies understand that deaf people know best about their own needs. They do not talk over deaf people or decide things for them[2]. Nothing about us without us.
- Learns sign language: In Europe, there are many different sign languages. For example, in the Netherlands they use Nederlandse Gebarentaal (NGT) and in Slovakia they use Slovenský posunkový jazyk[3][4]. Learning even a little bit of sign language shows respect.
- Fights wrong ideas: Many people think the wrong things about deaf people. A good ally tells the truth. For example, they say that deaf people can do everything.
- Helps at work and school: Good allies make sure deaf people have what they need at work and school. This includes interpreters, captions, and visual alerts[5][6].
- Speaks up: When deaf people are not treated fairly, allies speak up. They use their voice to help make changes[2].
- Creates visual spaces: Good allies think about making places where visual communication is easy. They make sure light is good and everyone can see each other clearly[2].
- Good allies don’t treat deaf people in a patronizing way. They don’t assume what is needed, but ask and pay attention to what deaf people really need.
Examples of Allyship in Europe
In the Netherlands, they have workshops about how deaf and hearing people can work together better. These meetings help people learn how to be good allies[7].
The European Union has many projects to support deaf people. One project helps deaf people get better access to public services through communication centers[8]. This is an example of systems working as allies.
In Germany, the Deaf Center in Munich has both deaf and hearing workers. They work together equally to connect people across Europe through sign language[9].
Why Allyship Matters
When deaf and hearing people work together equally, they can make big changes. Good allies do not just feel sorry for deaf people. They do not patronize deaf people, but respect Deaf culture and work together with deaf people as equals. Together, deaf people and their allies can build a better Europe where everyone has the same rights and chances.
Remember: Being an ally is not just about helping – it is about respect, supporting, learning, and working together.
Citations:
- https://www.eud.eu/eud/about-us/
- http://www.hearingallyship.org
- https://eud.eu/member-countries/netherlands/
- https://eud.eu/member-countries/slovakia/
- https://relaysd.com/news/how-to-be-an-ally-for-the-deaf-community
- https://www.eud.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/UNCRPD_Book_V3.pdf
- https://ingebaren.nl/agenda/workshop-9-bondgenootschap-met-doof-en-horend/
- https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/programming/projects/contributing-social-inclusion-deaf_en
- https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/29545_en
- http://wfdeaf.org/news/representative-organisations-of-deaf-people-call-on-the-european-union-at-the-5th-european-parliament-of-persons-with-disabilities/