After attending Yale and Gallaudet Universities, Swiller joined the Peace Corps. His book chronicles his two-year stay and experiences while stationed in Zambia. His book explores the various meanings of the word "unheard," including people who lead unnoticed lives, have unnoticed cultures, and have unheard moments and stories. "Hopefully people will gain a little appreciation for moments and a little empathy," Swiller said. "It's hard being a person all the time." He also discussed the status of deaf people, particularly children, in developing countries across the world. He said children in these countries are given a very poor education. Many deaf kids in Zambia, he said, are treated as though they are unable to learn.
Zambia RPCV Josh Swiller speaks to Northeastern University's Deaf Club to promote deaf awareness
Northeastern raises awareness on issues facing deaf community
By Michelle Trosclair
Published: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
When a deaf friend comes over, Gallaudet University professor Josh Swiller said, don't play Bob Dylan - he's a mumbler.
Swiller, who was born hard of hearing and went deaf at age four, presented to about 40 people Monday night at Northeastern University on his book "The Unheard: Memoirs of Deafness in Africa" and other issues facing the deaf community. Swiller's presentation was the first of four events put on by NU's Deaf Club this week to promote deaf awareness.
After attending Yale and Gallaudet Universities, Swiller joined the Peace Corps. His book chronicles his two-year stay and experiences while stationed in Zambia.
His book explores the various meanings of the word "unheard," including people who lead unnoticed lives, have unnoticed cultures, and have unheard moments and stories.
"Hopefully people will gain a little appreciation for moments and a little empathy," Swiller said. "It's hard being a person all the time."
He also discussed the status of deaf people, particularly children, in developing countries across the world. He said children in these countries are given a very poor education. Many deaf kids in Zambia, he said, are treated as though they are unable to learn.
Gallaudet, where Swiller teaches, is considered to be among the most prominent American universities for the deaf. He said in the past, a deaf student would need to go to Gallaudet in order to receive an education, but this is no longer the reality.
Audrianna Sanchez, a freshman who said she chose NU for its American Sign Language and psychology programs, agreed.
"A lot of people believe that students who are deaf have to go to special school, but that's not true," she said.
NU Deaf Club President Sarah Honigfeld, who is also deaf, invited Swiller to speak. She said she has high hopes for Deaf Awareness Week as well as for the club.
"I want people to gain awareness to deaf culture and to become more competent about American Sign Language," Honigfeld, a sophomore, said. "People are very accepting at NU and we have extensive services and resources. I love it here."
Erica DeBiase, a sophomore who recently transferred from Babson College, said she also noticed the availability of deaf resources for students at NU.
"From my experience there is more attention at NU for deaf students than at other schools," she said.
Honigfeld said she has not allowed being deaf to become a disability for her.
"Don't be ashamed of being deaf," she said. "Be proud of it."
For more information about Deaf Awareness Week, send the NU Deaf Club an email at NUDeafClub@gmail.com.
