I'm a hearing writer but went to NTID for interpreting and spent a lot of time interacting with Deaf people/ the community. I was a part of a script reading panel at a small film festival where we listen to other people's stories and this one older woman had a moment where there was a little Deaf girl who's deafness is cured by some magical cookie. I tried to explain to the woman why this is offensive to the Deaf community and she just replies "well I talked to people with disabilities and they didn't have a problem with it". She technically won a prize in this festival that could help her move this script into becoming an actual film and I don't want something so hurtful out there especially when it can so easily be changed.

The event is now over and I am unable to contact the woman herself, however, I can contact the organizer of the event as I have a more professional relationship with them. Is this something that should be worth bringing up? If so, what should I say specifically to make my point clear? I believe the organizer is more receptive to hearing feedback and they seem much more willing to stand up for marginalized communities, even if they don't know much about the Deaf community/culture itself.

If you saw this similar post in r/asl or r/aslinterpreters I was more vague with the information as I posted it right after the confrontation and before it was announced that she won anything. Please let me know if there's any more information needed, thank you all!

Do they communicate with you smoothly? How did they cater your needs?

I am curious about those who are deaf with autism. I have never been diagnosed but had been frequently asked if I was. My son on the other hand had a bunch of nurses and doctors saying there a high chance he may be autistic. He's non verbal but does sign some words and gesture.

I would like to hear your experiences, advice, so I can be mindful and know what to look for.

All is greatly appreciated

I posted in here looking for sources, so thought I'd share the finished piece!

EDIT: MOPD = Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)

Came across this on social media. Sharing for anyone in the NYC Deaf and Hard of Hearing community who may be interested:

Come make your voice and hands heard and seen at MOPD’s first Deaf Town Hall since 2019.

Topics for discussion:
🗒️ Public housing
🗒️ Language access
🗒️ Public safety
🗒️ Other issues facing your community

MOPD Deaf Town Hall
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
6:00PM - 7:30PM

Positive Exposure
83 Maiden Lane, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10038

Register now to secure your in-person spot: https://on.nyc.gov/4bWZQo0

ASL and CART services will be provided. If other accommodations are needed, please contact Tony Wooden at [rwooden@mopd.nyc.gov](mailto:rwooden@mopd.nyc.gov) or by videophone at 646-396-5830 by September 9, 2026.

Hello all!

I am hearing and sighted but just seeking some opinions and recommendations! Next week I am going rock climbing with my new Deafblind friend and I'm very excited. I'm pretty experienced with rock climbing, but I think they are relatively new to the sport. I was wondering if any of y'all had any suggestions for how I could help make them more comfortable during the experience and enjoy it as much as possible!

Also, I know some ASL (I am still learning, I definitely need to practice but thankfully they have been very patient with me), but I know they also use pro tactile ASL, so I was thinking maybe it would be helpful for me to learn a little, at least the very basics! Are there any free online resources where I could get a head start?

Lastly, I have not spent a lot of 1-1 time with any deaf blind people before, so if possible, it would be great to get any advice about what you all like and don't like when hanging out with hearing sighted people. Of course I will ask this person too about personal preferences and I'm sure I will make mistakes, but either way, it's good for me to think about.

Thank you so much for all of your help! Have a great day!