DeafWire Edition – 30 August 2025

Weekly news recap videos
can be seen at WORLDSIGN WEEK
https://h3world.tv/shows-name/worldsign-week

JAMAICA:

First Deaf dancer welcome

History was made in Jamaica as the National Dance Theater Company welcomed its first Deaf dancer, Damany Hughes. He performed with the company this summer, marking an important step for diversity and inclusion in the arts. Hughes began dancing at a young age after winning a scholarship in a communication contest that encouraged him to perform before audiences. He learned to feel rhythm through vibration, rely on his eyes to follow movements, and use muscle memory and his body’s rhythm to guide his dancing. He graduated from dance school this year and dreams of performing on the world stage and becoming a choreographer. His story shows how hard work and creativity can overcome challenges, and he encourages others to see their differences as strengths. Hearing dancers say they have also learned from him, recognizing that people can achieve their dreams - including dance - by embracing different ways of learning.

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NEW ZEALAND:

Why failing Deaf children

An investigation by reporter Gill Higgins reveals that New Zealand is failing its Deaf children in education due to a shortage of teachers fluent in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), a lack of Deaf role models, and limited recognition of Deaf culture. Many in the Deaf community say they feel ignored and dismissed—often labeled as troublemakers when advocating for change. Deaf advocate Amada Everitt recalls her success, rooted in having NZSL as her first language, thanks to her Deaf mother. She wonders why New Zealand doesn’t produce Deaf professionals like scientists and lawyers, as seen overseas, and points to the lack of Deaf leadership and qualified signers in schools. In some cases, students are forced to interpret for their own teachers, while fluent signers are turned away from teaching jobs. The consequences are staggering: around 95% of Deaf children face language deprivation, blocking full communication and learning. Though New Zealand has moved away from past policies that suppressed sign language, advocates argue the changes haven’t gone far enough.

The Old Fogeys

See this week’s cartoon.

THE OLD FOGEYS – View cartoon

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