Bailee Strang Photography
Photography, Videography, Social Media
Spectrum of Deafness
Hung up the posters all around campus to promote the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Campaign.
The "Spectrum of Deafness" is a personal project that goes beyond my own experience as someone who is Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Through my photography, I aim to showcase the lives, struggles, and culture of the Deaf community. Many of us feel unheard and unseen by the hearing world, and this project is an effort to change that.
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The "Spectrum of Deafness" is a celebration of diversity—not just in terms of hearing abilities, but in our stories, identities, and cultural expressions. It’s a reminder that we, too, have something meaningful to share and that our experiences deserve to be acknowledged.
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By capturing these moments, I hope to inspire others to stand with us, listen to us, and respect the beauty of our culture. This project is about unity, respect, and creating space for all voices to be heard.
Understanding the Spectrum of Deafness:
Why Communication Matters
Sage Holcomb
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Deafness exists on a spectrum, ranging from mild hearing loss to profound deafness. For individuals across this spectrum, communication is essential for inclusion, equality, and full participation in society. For the Deaf community, American Sign Language (ASL) is an essential form of communication. For those who are Hard of Hearing, hearing devices such as hearing aids or cochlear implants help them connect with sounds and communicate more effectively.
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Hearing people should recognize that communication needs vary widely. Understanding and respecting the different ways Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals interact with the world is key. By learning ASL and supporting the use of hearing devices, we can help bridge communication gaps and create a more inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of hearing ability, can connect, share, and thrive together.
You can learn ASL: A Step Towards Inclusivity
Amanda Inthavong
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As part of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Campaign, we encourage hearing people to learn American Sign Language (ASL) to foster inclusivity and break down communication barriers. It’s not just about knowing another language; it’s about showing respect for a culture and making sure no one is left out of important conversations. By learning ASL, hearing people can help create a more inclusive environment where everyone is valued and understood.
Understanding ASL is a powerful step towards empathy, respect, and connection. It enables better communication, ensures that no one feels isolated, and promotes equality. By joining the effort to make ASL accessible, hearing individuals can actively contribute to a world where all people—regardless of hearing ability—can participate fully and equally in society.
Join us in building bridges, not walls. Let’s create a more connected and inclusive world through communication.
Fight for Your Right:
Advocating for Communication Access
Lexi Banks
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In the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, communication is a right, not a privilege. Yet, many individuals still face barriers to full participation in society due to lack of access to clear communication. It's time to fight for the right to be heard and understood. By raising awareness about these challenges, we advocate for better access to resources, services, and communication tools for all. Our campaign is about ensuring that everyone—regardless of hearing ability—has equal access to information, education, and opportunities. Together, we can fight for a world where communication is truly accessible to all.
Music Through Vibration:
Experiencing Music Beyond Sound
Philip Pham
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For those who can't hear, music can still be experienced through vibrations. Many people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing enjoy songs by feeling the vibrations of the beat through their phones or speakers. Vibrational technology in phones or devices allows users to feel the rhythm and energy of music, providing an inclusive experience for all. Hearing people can learn to appreciate this unique form of music and support a world where everyone can connect through different ways of experiencing sound.
Be Who You Are and Proud to Be Deaf
Andi Nadaa Nafiisa
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Being Deaf is not a limitation—it's a unique and beautiful identity to be proud of. For the Deaf community, American Sign Language (ASL) is an essential way to communicate, connect, and express identity. Hearing people should embrace ASL to ensure that Deaf individuals feel respected, included, and valued in all conversations. By using ASL, we show that we recognize and celebrate the Deaf culture, allowing for true inclusivity and understanding. Let’s all work together to create a world where everyone can be proud of who they are.
Create Inclusive Communities
Malia Schneck​
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Inclusive communities begin with meaningful communication for all. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing community is diverse—ranging from those who are fully Deaf and immersed in Deaf culture to individuals newly navigating hearing loss. American Sign Language (ASL) is a vital, culturally rich way to connect, though communication preferences vary. Some may use ASL, others may use different tools or technologies—all are valid and deserve respect. By learning ASL and embracing the full range of Deaf experiences, we create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and included.
We Can See, Not Hear:
Why Hearing People Should Understand
Marcus Carey
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For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, vision often becomes a stronger sense than hearing. People in this community develop a heightened awareness of visual cues, body language, and facial expressions to communicate and understand the world around them. Hearing people should recognize and respect this unique ability. By acknowledging the importance of visual communication, we can build more inclusive communities where everyone can fully participate and connect.
Don’t Label Me as Deaf:
A Call for Respect and Understanding
Kay O’Brien
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Many people in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community identify as Deaf, but they don’t want to be defined or constantly labeled by that term. When teachers or others remind hearing people by saying, “That person is Deaf,” it can feel uncomfortable and isolating. It’s a reminder that their identity is being reduced to just one aspect of who they are—something they may not want to be highlighted.
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We simply want to be treated as normal human beings, just like everyone else. There’s no need to loudly announce or label someone as “Deaf” when entering a room. Instead, let’s focus on finding ways to communicate and connect with each other as equals.
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The focus should be on mutual respect and understanding, not on the label. Using labels like "Deaf" in a way that highlights differences in a negative or cautionary tone can be hurtful and unnecessary. We all have the ability to communicate, collaborate, and connect—let’s do so with kindness and without reducing anyone to a label.
Provide Access:
Why Communication Access Matters
Gabo Ponte-Fleary
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Access to communication tools—such as sign language interpreters, notetakers, and closed captioning—is not a privilege; it’s a necessity. Without them, people are not just missing words—they're missing the chance to be understood, to share their stories, and to engage fully in life. When access is denied, individuals are excluded, and their voices, talents, and potential are left unheard and unseen.