jordansangalang.com

Category: Deaf awareness

  • Protecting Kids Online

    Why the Conversation About Social Media and Youth Needs More Nuance

    Canada is taking a significant step toward addressing online safety for children.

    This week, the federal government is tabling legislation that would ban social media platforms from allowing Canadian children under the age of 16 to create and maintain accounts. Under the proposed online safety bill, technology companies could apply for exemptions if they can demonstrate that their platforms meet strict safety standards designed to protect young users.

    The legislation would also establish new responsibilities for AI chatbots, requiring safeguards and accountability measures to reduce potential harms to children and youth. The proposal comes after years of advocacy from child safety organizations and growing concerns about cyberbullying, online exploitation, harmful content, and the impact of social media on youth mental health.

    The conversation is not limited to Ottawa. Here in Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew has also expressed support for restricting social media access for children under 16, reflecting a broader national discussion about how best to protect young people in an increasingly digital world.

    As a parent, I understand why governments are paying attention.

    Every day, children interact with platforms designed by some of the most sophisticated technology companies in the world. These companies invest billions of dollars into creating products that keep users engaged, scrolling, watching, clicking, and returning. Parents often feel as though they are competing against systems specifically designed to capture and hold their children’s attention.

    There is no question that online safety deserves serious attention.

    But as a Deaf parent raising Deaf children, I believe there is another side of this conversation that deserves equal consideration.

    The Internet Was More Than Entertainment for Me

    When I was growing up, the internet was not simply a source of entertainment.

    It was a gateway to a world that often felt out of reach.

    As a Deaf youth living in Winnipeg, my opportunities to connect with other Deaf peers were naturally limited. While Winnipeg has a strong Deaf community, it is considerably smaller than those found in larger cities such as Toronto or Vancouver. The reality was that there were only so many Deaf youth my age that I could meet and interact with locally.

    The internet changed that.

    Long before smartphones and today’s social media platforms, I spent countless hours in chatrooms, instant messaging services, and early social networking websites such as AIM, MySpace, Friendster, and AsianAvenue.

    Those platforms gave me opportunities that extended far beyond socializing.

    They helped me improve my literacy and English communication skills. They exposed me to pop culture, current events, and trends happening outside of Winnipeg. They allowed me to participate in conversations with people from different backgrounds and experiences. Most importantly, they connected me with friends across Canada and the United States.

    Those interactions helped build my confidence and gave me a stronger sense of belonging in a world that often felt inaccessible.

    Looking back, those online connections played a meaningful role in my personal growth and development.

    What About Deaf Children Today?

    This is why I believe we need to be careful when discussing blanket restrictions on social media access for young people.

    For many Deaf children living in rural communities or areas with limited resources, online platforms can serve a much larger purpose than entertainment or casual socializing.

    They can be critical tools for identity development, language access, peer connection, mentorship, and community building.

    Imagine being a Deaf child living in a small town where you are the only Deaf student in your school. You may rarely, if ever, have the opportunity to interact with another Deaf child your age. You may not have easy access to Deaf role models, mentors, or a larger Deaf community.

    Online communities can help bridge that gap.

    They can provide opportunities to connect with other Deaf youth, learn from Deaf adults, explore Deaf culture, access information, and develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging.

    For some children, these online spaces are not simply optional social networks. They are lifelines to a broader community that may not exist in their immediate environment.

    That reality should be part of the conversation.

    The Problem Isn’t Simply Access

    At the heart of this debate is a larger question.

    Is the issue that children have access to social media?

    Or is the issue that social media platforms have not done enough to create safe environments for children?

    I believe the answer is the latter.

    Technology companies control the algorithms that determine what content children see. They design the features that encourage prolonged engagement. They decide how recommendations work, how safety tools are implemented, and how harmful content is moderated.

    Parents certainly have a responsibility to guide and monitor their children’s online experiences.

    But it should not be the sole responsibility of parents to outsmart systems intentionally designed to maximize engagement.

    When policymakers discuss protecting children online, accountability should not rest entirely on families.

    Technology companies must also be held accountable for the products they create.

    What Real Protection Should Look Like

    If social media companies want exemptions under Canada’s proposed legislation, the standards should be meaningful.

    Success should not be measured solely by whether a platform can verify a user’s age.

    Success should be measured by outcomes.

    Are children safer?

    Are cyberbullying rates decreasing?

    Are harmful content recommendations being reduced?

    Are vulnerable youth being protected from exploitation?

    Are platforms designing products that prioritize wellbeing instead of engagement at all costs?

    These are the questions that matter.

    A social media ban may sound protective, but if children easily find ways around restrictions while harmful platform designs remain unchanged, we have not solved the underlying problem.

    The goal should be to make online spaces safer, not simply harder to access.

    A Balanced Approach

    I support efforts to protect children online.

    As a parent, I want my children to be safe from harmful content, cyberbullying, exploitation, and addictive platform designs.

    At the same time, I do not want us to overlook the positive role that online communities can play, particularly for children who face barriers to communication, connection, and belonging.

    For Deaf youth, online platforms can provide opportunities that may not exist locally. They can foster friendships, build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and connect children to communities that help shape their identity.

    As Canadians debate the future of social media regulation, I hope we avoid framing this issue as a simple choice between unrestricted access and outright bans.

    The real challenge is creating digital environments that are both safe and meaningful.

    Protecting children online is important. But true protection requires more than legislation alone. It requires technology companies to take responsibility for the environments they create, policymakers to consider the diverse needs of young people, and parents to remain engaged in their children’s digital lives.

    As a Deaf parent, I want my children to have the same opportunities for connection, learning, and growth that helped shape my own journey.

    The challenge before us is finding a way to preserve those opportunities while ensuring that children can explore the online world safely.

    That is a goal worth pursuing.

  • Why Deaf Travelers Still Face ‘Deer in Headlights’ Moments at Airports in 2026

    One of my recent trip to the airport felt a little different—not truly unusual, but I’ve grown comfortable arriving much closer to departure time than recommended. This time, I got there less than 30 minutes before takeoff. After picking up the kids from school, we headed straight there.

    As a Deaf traveler, I’ve learned to assume that no one at the airport knows ASL. So, I proactively let people know I’m Deaf at every step. It starts right after showing my boarding pass, when I’m directed to the right security line. As I move forward in the queue, I prepare to remove my boots, jacket, carry-on items, laptop, and liquids (in a clear plastic bag).

    When I reach the TSA officer, they usually say something, and I respond by signing and gesturing that I’m Deaf. They often ask to see my boarding pass again to scan it. Then I walk through the full-body scanner and wait for my belongings to come through.

    After clearing security, I head directly to my gate with my boarding pass and ID ready. Near the gate, I let the flight attendant know I’m Deaf. Once onboard, I settle into my seat and stay alert to see if anyone sits next to me.

    Flight attendants sometimes approach to speak to me. If I’m reading or focused elsewhere, other passengers might glance over, signaling that someone’s trying to get my attention. I let the attendant know I’m Deaf again. The reaction is almost always the classic “deer in headlights” look—wide eyes and a frozen expression.

    I quickly pull out my phone, turn on the voice-to-text feature, and hand it over. They usually ask awkwardly, “Is there anything I can help you with?” I respond with two thumbs up, a friendly smile, and a nod to reassure them I’m all set and will ask if I need anything. (I could joke, “How about a back massage?”—but that might make things even more awkward!)

    Then the plane taxis to the runway and takes off.

    However, the day doesn’t end at takeoff—or even at landing. When I arrived, it was evening and cold outside. Knowing I’d be hungry and tired by the time I reached the hotel, I decided to grab takeout first.

    At the restaurant, I gestured with a smile while waiting for the cashier. She looked tired—probably near the end of her shift. When I signed that I was Deaf, she seemed surprised, just like so many others. I paid, then hopped into an Uber.

    The driver turned out to be hard of hearing too. When I let him know I was Deaf, he lit up with an “Oh!” and pointed to his ear, gesturing “so-so” to indicate his own hearing level. The ride to the hotel was quiet (pun intended). When we arrived, I signed “thank you,” and he smiled back warmly.

    I walked into the hotel lobby and approached the front desk to check in. Once again, I gestured that I was Deaf. After a short wait, I received my key card and headed to the elevator.

    As I stood there, a man joined me and gave a polite smile. I didn’t realize he’d said something, so I smiled back and signed “Good evening.” He immediately understood I was Deaf. We stepped into the elevator together, rode up in comfortable silence, and parted ways on our respective floors.

    Finally, I reached my room, settled in, and that’s how I ended my long day.

    These moments—from the surprised cashier to the kind Uber driver who “got it,” the polite elevator exchange, and finally unwinding in the room with takeout—show how the communication dance continues long after the plane lands. It’s exhausting at times, but I do wonder what if these encounters can be more than just gestures but have these small talks and conversations.

    What do you think?

  • “It’s Accessible—It Has Captions”: Why That Assumption Still Excludes Deaf People in Canada

    As a Deaf dad, accessibility is not an abstract concept for me. It shows up in my work, my parenting, my community involvement, and in the everyday digital spaces my family and I navigate. It also shows up in conversations—often small, well-intentioned ones—that reveal how misunderstood Deaf accessibility still is.

    One such conversation recently took place on a social media messaging platform, and it highlighted a gap that many hearing content creators don’t realize exists.

    The creator reached out to me first, likely in the context of business, leads, or collaboration. She shared about her regular content posting and YouTube channel. As someone grounded in Deaf culture and accessibility work, I saw an opportunity to gently raise awareness about how her content could be more accessible to Deaf audiences—particularly Deaf leads, prospects, and clients.

    I suggested incorporating American Sign Language (ASL) for key videos, such as signed translations or interpretations.

    Her response was:

    “But it’s accessible with captions! And it’s my understanding most Deaf people can read English.”

    The exchange was polite and not hostile. Yet it reflected several deeply rooted misconceptions about Deaf accessibility—misconceptions that remain widespread in Canada. This experience is worth sharing not to single out one person, but to raise awareness about a systemic issue that continues to shape who is included and who is left out online.

    Captions Are Important—But They Are Not the Same as Access

    Captions play an important role in accessibility. They help many Deaf and hard-of-hearing people access spoken content, and when done well, they can include speaker identification and sound cues.

    However, captions alone are not an equivalent solution for the Deaf community.

    ASL Is a First Language for Many Deaf People

    For many Deaf Canadians—especially those who are prelingually Deaf and culturally Deaf—ASL is their first and primary language. ASL is not English on the hands. It is a fully developed visual language with its own grammar, syntax, and cultural meaning.

    ASL is experienced through movement, facial expression, and spatial relationships—not through reading text. When captions are presented in English, they assume fluency in a language that may be a second language for many Deaf people.

    In the Canadian context, this also includes la langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) and Indigenous sign languages used in some communities. Deaf Canadians are linguistically diverse, and English is not automatically the most accessible option.

    Captions Increase Cognitive Load

    Reading captions while watching visuals requires constant eye movement and mental processing. This can be especially challenging for fast-paced, technical, or emotionally nuanced content—particularly when captions are auto-generated and inaccurate (often referred to as “craptions”).

    ASL naturally conveys tone, emphasis, emotion, and intent through non-manual signals. For native signers, ASL often provides a clearer and more complete experience than written English captions.

    The Deaf Community Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

    Some Deaf people rely on captions. Some rely on ASL. Many prefer both. Needs vary depending on age of language exposure, education, identity, and access history.

    The statement “most Deaf people can read English” reflects a common assumption, but it oversimplifies reality. Research consistently shows wide variation in English literacy among Deaf individuals—largely due to language deprivation and systemic barriers in education.

    Assuming captions are sufficient for “most” people inevitably excludes those who already face the greatest barriers.

    What Canadian Deaf-Led Advocacy Has Long Said

    These issues are not new. Deaf-led organizations in Canada have been clear for decades:

    • The Canadian Association of the Deaf – Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC) advocates for the recognition and use of ASL, LSQ, and Indigenous sign languages. CAD-ASC played a key role in shaping the Accessible Canada Act, which explicitly names these sign languages in federal law and affirms the right to accessible communication.
    • The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) promotes accessible communities while recognizing the diverse communication needs across Deaf and hard-of-hearing populations.
    • Canadian service providers such as Asign demonstrate how sign language interpreting, translation, and on-demand solutions remove real-world communication barriers in workplaces, education, and digital spaces.

    These perspectives align with international standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which recognize sign language as a necessary accessibility option—not an enhancement—for prerecorded content.

    “But It’s Accessible”: A Hearing-Centred Starting Point

    The response I received reflects a common hearing-centred mindset: captions are seen as “doing accessibility,” often based on general advice rather than Deaf input.

    The phrase “my understanding” matters. It signals reliance on assumptions rather than lived experience or Deaf-led knowledge. This is not about blame. Many hearing creators simply haven’t been exposed to Deaf linguistic realities.

    As a Deaf dad, I see how these assumptions show up everywhere—from online content to education systems to public services. They are rarely intentional, but their impact is real.

    Moving Toward Meaningful Accessibility

    Accessibility is not about perfection. It’s about choice, equity, and listening.

    Practical steps for Canadian content creators include:

    • Providing accurate, well-timed captions as a baseline.
    • Offering ASL or LSQ options for key content through signed videos, picture-in-picture interpreters, or separate sign language translations.
    • Consulting Deaf ASL/LSQ professionals and Deaf community members.
    • Asking audiences what they need instead of assuming.
    • Learning from Deaf-led organizations and Canadian accessibility frameworks.

    When accessibility is done well, everyone benefits. Deaf people gain meaningful participation—not partial access. Creators expand their reach and build trust with communities too often overlooked.

    Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

    If you’re a content creator, educator, employer, or organization in Canada, I invite you to reflect:

    Who might your current accessibility choices unintentionally exclude?

    This post isn’t meant to end the conversation—it’s meant to open one.

    As a Deaf dad and community advocate, I believe real accessibility grows through dialogue, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. If you have questions, reflections, or experiences to share, I welcome them. Let’s continue building digital spaces where Deaf people are not an afterthought, but an integral part of the audience from the start.

  • Caption Designs Over the Years

    With the recent reactions from the Deaf community and advocates about how hearing-owned companies selling caption glasses as well as using Deaf influencers to sell their product, I had the time to mull it over on why this issue keeps happening again.

    I’m all for accessible and inclusive AI and technology but it appears many of these are repurposed.

    Let’s look at captions:

    I recall when captions first came out, my parents purchased a caption box for me. We use them by connecting the cable to the tv and switch channels using the caption box. I was able to enjoy television by reading the captions.

    Eventually, tv’s had captions installed in them and caption boxes were no longer needed.

    Then there are captions for videos online.

    Then there were auto-captions leading to rely on AI.

    Then it became a tool the masses could use in their smartphones to access information and conversations around them.

    Now, captions are implemented in glasses.

    With the rapid rise of technology going caption boxes to caption glasses, the one thing remains is the design of captions are still the same.

    I’m not a designer, just a Deaf consumer who consumed these products.

    Also, I communicate in ASL.

    Over the years, these captions give one-way access to information then folks took this as an attempt to access conversations but it only achieved one-way access. And not inclusion where Deaf folks can be part of the conversations in their language which is sign language.

    So, I implore folks exploring access and inclusion using AI or devices to take into consideration how to contribute and create true access and inclusion where people can have conversations and interact in their languages especially sign language.

    I have yet to see this happen.

  • Are Caption Glasses Truly Accessible for Deaf Individuals?

    There’s been recent buzz about caption glasses, with some in the Deaf community feeling they exploit rather than empower. As a Deaf individual who communicates in ASL, I wanted to share my perspective.

    What Caption Glasses Offer

    Caption glasses can provide one-way access to information—primarily converting spoken language into English captions. While this may be useful in some contexts, it doesn’t create an inclusive environment for ASL users like me. Conversations require two-way communication, and captions don’t allow me to contribute equally.

    Free or Affordable Alternatives

    Many free apps offer similar or even better voice-to-text capabilities:

    • Otter AI
    • Microsoft Translator
    • Google Transcribe
    • Apple Live Caption

    Other tools include:

    • Apple Notes
    • Google Docs
    • Cardzilla

    These apps are either free or far more affordable than the steep price of caption glasses.

    What’s Missing? Sign Language Access

    Relying solely on captions ignores the importance of sign language for full inclusivity. Tools like VRI On-Demand (Video Remote Interpreting) can bridge this gap, allowing real-time conversations in ASL.

    What’s Your Experience?

    Have you tried caption glasses or other tools? Do you know of accessible solutions that prioritize sign language? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

  • What is a creative outlet? (And how do I leverage it to make an impact?)

    I asked Chat GPT this question and this is the response I received:

    A creative outlet is a means of expressing oneself and channeling creativity. It can be any activity or medium that allows individuals to explore their imagination, emotions, and ideas. Examples of creative outlets include painting, writing, playing an instrument, dancing, crafting, and photography. Engaging in a creative outlet can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of personal expression. It can also serve as a way to relieve stress and explore new possibilities.

    It’s pretty accurate in what I do. I love what I do because it is an outlet where I can manifest my creativity. With the ability to connect and converse with people sparks my creativity whether they’re roadblocks, barriers, or conflicts. Like diamonds, they are a result of being under pressure. Creativity is like that under some kind of restriction and results into something beautiful out of it.

    As a Deaf person, the problem isn’t me being Deaf or even Deafness itself. It’s the systemic barriers being imposed. In my case, I’m referring to audism. It’s always been there long before it even had a name. Like death, it’s inevitable. So, we just need to learn to manage it with tools and resources with a community. It’s a team effort and requires a community to make it through.

    However, it’s deeper than that. It’s all from within. Our drive, perseverance and more importantly, our mindset. What drives our mindset though is finding and understanding our why. By focusing on audism, we’re just simply banging ourselves against a wall. Like I mentioned, death is inevitable. So, what do families do in preparation for death? They get life insurance, critical illness, wills, estates and a funeral plan.

    With audism, we create inclusion and access by raising awareness about Deaf Culture, teach ASL, provide ASL interpreting services, and so on. There are many ways Deaf people and allies with entrepreneurial spirits pushing through to create solutions getting over the hurdle.

    This goes back to what I love I’m doing. Creating stories, creating solutions that matter and creating impact. My creative outlet is an opportunity to transform Deaf lives and the community through meaningful conversations.

  • 7 Ways to Build Resilience or Grit

    When you want to thrive in tough times, here are some ways to build resilience or grit:

    1. Practice self-care:Examples of these are:
      • Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep
      • eating healthy, and engaging in regular exercise. 
      • Practicing self-care helps improve your physical and mental well-being. It is essential for building resilience.
    2. Maintain perspective:
      • Try to maintain perspective and focus on the bigger picture. Remember that tough times are often temporary. You have overcome difficult situations in the past.
    3. Practice mindfulness:
      • Practice mindfulness to help you stay present at the moment. Also, avoid getting overwhelmed by negative thoughts or emotions.
    4. Build a support network:
      • Build a strong support network of family, friends, or professionals. They can offer emotional support and practical help.
    5. Reframe negative thoughts:
      • Work on reframing negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive and realistic ones. This can help you build a more positive mindset and reduce stress.
    6. Focus on your strengths:
      • Instead of your weaknesses or the things you cannot change, focus on your strengths and what you can control
    7. Set goals:
      • Set achievable goals for yourself and work towards them, even if they are small ones. This can help you feel a sense of accomplishment and progress, even in difficult times.

    In summary, building resilience in tough times involves practicing self-care, maintaining perspective, practicing mindfulness, building a support network, reframing negative thoughts, focusing on strengths, and setting achievable goals.

    What other skills that were not listed above that helped you build resilience or grit in tough times?

  • The ONE Thing I Usually Do When Picking Up Groceries

    The other day I went to pick up groceries. You know when you order groceries through an app then you get assigned a date and time when they’re ready to be picked up? That.

    Sometimes I go by myself, sometimes with my wife, or with my toddler. Or all of them together. Anyway, at times, when I go by myself or just with my toddlers, I’d arrive and park at the stall. Then I’ll call the number on the stall through on-demand interpreting services. Or most know this as VRS. Then I’d give the name and stall number I’m parked in. Then while waiting, if I’m by myself, I’ll be taking the time to think about my next post or just simply take the time to meditate. If I’m with the kids, then I’ll have a conversation with them.

    Then when the employee comes out with the groceries, I’d typically get out to open the trunk. Usually, my intention is to at least connect with a basic conversation with them. First, I’d sign, “How are you?” The expected response is they freeze like a deer caught in headlights. Then I get sure with the thumbs up. This typically eases the tension. Then I’d get back in the car and let them load the groceries into the trunk. After they’re done, they usually know to get my attention or make eye contact with me before they close the trunk then go. This usually ends with a wave or thumbs up.

    Now, for those you watching or reading this, what would you do in a similar situation like this and why? Comment below. I’m curious to know.

  • Quality of Accessibility for Deaf Customers

    I came across this quote:

    Your net productivity is the balance of the productive and unproductive forces in your life.

    A great deal of time and energy is spent thinking about how to increase effort, but there is a lot to be gained by reducing friction.

    A car will travel faster not only if you press the accelerator, but also if you remove the speed bumps.

    This made me ponder on how, not what, I deliver to clients. Remote work is becoming the norm or has been made more convenient. As well as the corporate landscape has shifted and become more remote. There are technological advances making things more accessible and convenient. For example, there are video conferencing platforms. In the case of providing remote interpreting services, not all platforms are well-suited for the users.

    To date, Zoom has been a favourable platform for users because of its multi-pinning capability. When screens are being shared, Sign Language interpreters are still visible while allowing users the flexibility to adjust the size. Whereas MS Teams, get pushed to the smaller screens. (If this has changed at the time of reading this, please let me know!) I’m aware there are other platforms like WebEx, GoToMeeting, etc. With that being said, there are too many variables since companies have to choose platforms that based on privacy or security reasons. This causes inconsistency, unpredictability, and uncertainty for the users and providers involved. This then compromises the quality and creates varying expectations of the services provided. For example, when I set up meetings with clients with interpreters, they provide the platform their organization or company uses. Often, they don’t realize the journey or the experience of the users would be wildly varied because of the varying platforms.

    As a Deaf user myself, this journey is all too familiar whereas it is new for hearing users who never had to think about this. Even more so, when they are the ones that are using the platform, they are not familiar with setting things up ensuring interpreters are to remain visible. I can imagine they’d feel burdened by this as it’s typically new to them and stressful for them to manage. This is where I come in. Regardless of the car you have, I’ll ensure the road is smoothened for everyone on the road to ensure the accessibility journey is a smooth one.