Despite the pandemic, the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) did not falter as they celebrated its 26th Deaf Festival with the theme “FESTIVAL OF HOPE: Moving from a spirit of Hopelessness to a Spirit of Hope.” The month-long festival was held from Nov. 7 to 28 via DLS-CSB SDEAS Deaf Festival Official Facebook Page.
An extraordinary celebration
The Deaf Festival commenced with an Opening Mass last Nov. 7 presided over by Rev. Fr. John Era, CM, followed by a heartwarming opening message from the College’s President Br. Edmundo “Dodo” Fernandez FSC.
While struggles are heightened due to the pandemic, Br. Fernandez FSC mentioned how it is extraordinary to find the community united and celebrating with hope.
“The feeling of hopelessness usually comes after feeling helpless, especially at the times we have no control,” he stated.
As a community founded in faith, zeal, and community in mission, Br. Dodo urged Benildeans to serve as beacons of hope by helping those who may be helpless by means of prayer, kind words or in deed.
Same day as the Deaf Festival opening, other events were also commenced such as Zoom games for SDEAS students designed as a get-together with different batches, and afterwards a poster-making contest.
Into the “New Normal”
Now that people have been confined in their homes due to COVID-19, a webinar led by Maria Tanya De Guzman, a Deaf counselor from Gallaudet University, tackled ways on how to adapt with the New Normal and how to be productive during the pandemic.
De Guzman signed out several stages of how a person reacts to change. From shock and disorientation leading to anger and other emotional responses, coming into terms with the new normal, acceptance and ways on how to move forward. Moreover, staying productive and establishing healthy self-care habits are just as equally important.
As we adjust to the New Normal, here are a few tips we should consider in order to adapt:
- Create a new routine
- Stay connected with family and friends
- Stay informed, but not alarmed
- Give yourself a break
Deaf and Hearing Culture Sensitivity
Raymond Manding and Veronica Camba of SDEAS Center for Partnership and Development led the discussions on the webinars last Nov. 14, titled “Sign Me Up: Learning about Deafness” for Hearing participants, and “Sign Me Up: Understanding Hearing Culture” for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing participants respectively.
The basics of Filipino Sign Language (FSL) such as commonly used gestures and fingerspelling, acceptable and unacceptable terms to use when having conversations with Deaf people, how to communicate properly, and misconceptions about Deafness were signed by Manding and were interpreted for Hearing participants.
There are certain behaviors that are distinct to Deaf people, and certain manifestations of culture that are only seen amongst Deaf people, which includes language, values, traditions, identity and norms.
According to Manding, the Deaf are very social people, blunt, sensitive, very visual and expressive in nature. With Deaf culture being closely tied to the usage of FSL, it is crucial that Hearing people maintain eye contact when communicating.
Aside from gestures, participants were also reminded of Deaf-friendly terms which are appropriate to use in addressing Deaf people.
Meanwhile, Camba discussed the differences between Hearing and Deaf Culture by signing it to participants, elaborating on the importance of safe and unsafe topics and how to properly communicate with hearing colleagues.
The proper introduction of one’s self, expressiveness, relaying instructions, usage of idiomatic expressions, being empathic and sensitive were also emphasized in order to communicate effectively.
The second day of the festival concluded with a MTV Competition among Deaf students.
Hope in the time of a global pandemic
This year’s Deaf festival theme aims to plant a seed of hope to those affected by circumstances brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to become a venue to support each other.
The cultural show served as a platform for Deaf students to showcase their talents and abilities. From the announcement of winners of the Deaf MTV competition and poster-making contests, to expressing their sentiments on how the world has fallen into drastic change due to the pandemic.
Deaf students enthusiastically portrayed the battles faced by those affected by the virus, and the unending efforts and sacrifices braved by frontliners through visually telling the story with signs and photographs. Their heartfelt performances truly graced the closing of the festivity, and enabled spectators to have a glimpse at hope and embracing change.
With the success of the 26th Deaf festival, SDEAS along with the Deaf and Benildean community have given people a reminder that they are not alone in times of trials, but are one in awakening the spirit of Hope.
The first Deaf Festival was held in November 1995 and spearheaded by Deaf students under the College’s Education and Development Department and Guidance Counselling Center.
Held in the month of November, the Deaf Festival gathers all members of the Benildean community to celebrate Deaf inclusion and to cultivate friendship and goodwill between one another.
