ZP SXSW Highlights
SXSW Video
(Amanda - Narrator)
Image Description: White woman with shoulder length brown hair wearing a black shirt narrating in sign language
I invite you to see a glimpse of the SXSW panel who led an engaging and powerful discussion on the Big Bold Brave ideas for a more inclusive world. The panel drew over 300 attendees of whom 90% were hearing. The goal of the panel was to provide a BOLD experience for the attendees. Together, they created a “What If” video to engage the audience and challenge them to think about what it would be like to be deaf in a hearing world. The moderator, ZP CEO, Sherri Turpin, requested the audience to be present through the entire “What If” video. All was achieved.
First slide popped up
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be DEAF IN A HEARING WORLD?
Second slide …
What If…
You couldn’t use the drive through at pharmacies?
Third slide..
What if…
You walked into a store and could only communicate using a text app?
Fourth slide..
What if….
You had to login to an app before you could dial 911 in an emergency?
Fifth slide…
What if…
You were required to have two phone numbers, one for text and one for calls?
Sixth slide..
What if…
You couldn’t enjoy the movies because they were in a different language and there were no subtitles?
Seventh slide…
What if…
You couldn’t get a job or promotion because you are ______________?
Eighth slide…
These are just a few of the inequities Deaf communities face EVERY DAY.
Ninth slide….
What are your BIG, BOLD, BRAVE ideas for a more inclusive world?
(Amanda shows up to sign)
At the end of the video, ZP CEO took a BRAVE approach and started the discussion in ASL only with no voice interpreters. This was intentional and only known by the panelists, not the audience. The goal of this shift was to give the hearing audience no access to communication – an experience that our deaf communities face every day.
Image Description: White woman sitting in chair with blonde hair, glasses and light blue blazer
Next clip showed up -- Description: voice muted. Sherri as moderator signed asked the panelists how do you feel about working in the hearing world? Wawa replied – hearing people would chat and id be left alone. Hearing people would say, “You are deaf and you can’t use the phone to talk , how can you talk with them ?” Wawa replies, hmm same kind of work you do and it’s what I do all along. No difference. Sherri then voiced – hold on and don’t leave. Apparently, a hearing person stood up and was about to walk away. This person sat back down and Sherri said, “Yes. Thank you. This was a….. I hate to call it a test, this is the world. That is it. Welcome to the Deaf community! (Panelists clapping). I did not intend for anybody to feel uncomfortable, but this is what it feels like for me to be in an amazing community because I can understand ASL. Now let’s start with full communication access. Let’s do what every person deserves to truly understand. Let’s start again.
Amanda shows up ..
Image Description: White woman with shoulder length brown hair narrating in sign language
The moderator ZP CEO, stood up and said, “Please stay!” We did this on purpose. Welcome to the deaf communities who experience rooms like this without communication access EVERY day. The room erupted! Warren “WAWA” Snipe, who was one of the panelists shares his observation of the audience’s reaction to this lack of access.
Amanda slowly and WAWA shows up..
Image Description: Black man wearing red hat backwards and a bluish grey T-shirt using sign language
I am still reflecting on the panel session and the changes and impact I saw on the people in the audience. We showed a video with a list of questions for the audience to ponder and digest. At the closing the panelist and moderator began signing without the interpreters voicing for the audience. I could feel immediately the impact on the audience who were uncomfortable and thinking something is wrong. Wondering if they are going to provide access for me as a hearing person. I saw one guy get up and looked over and noticed a woman do the same and our moderator Sherri spoke up and said come back don’t leave. We just want to give you the experience of what deaf people feel no access to interpreters. I saw the woman slowly sit back down and probably thinking “no one saw me” but I did! So that is how deaf people feel.
WAWA slowly disappears and Amanda shows up
Here are testimonials from audience members with their experience.
- Image Description: Asian woman with brown long sleeve sweater and below shoulder long black hair using sign language
- The deaf customer signs and says – Bringing big, bold, and brave ideas to SXSW showed the power of mindset. Those who invite diversity to the table gain. The audience was blown away by the life experience of the panelists, particularly when they momentarily experienced it themselves.
- Image Description: White woman in short blonde hair using sign language
- The hearing customer signs and says – The most memorable moments occurred in the beginning, when the panelists continued to sign but the voice interpreters stopped voicing. Wow. It was both pivotal moments and very uncomfortable moments for many people in the audience. In that instant, they experience what it feels like not to have access to basic human, communication, and connection. It had a great impact. Without a doubt, everyone leaving that panel presentation knowing the importance for each of us to continue promote full and equal access for our deaf community. It’s all part of our work and personal lives.
Amanda shows up
Image description: White woman with shoulder length brown hair wearing a black shirt narrating in sign language
This was just the beginning of the hour so stay tuned as we will be unveiling the content of the entire panel discussion. Until then, see press release here made accessible in ASL.
This concludes the Highlights of ZP SXSW – ASL version signed by Amanda Tuite, Produced by ZP Better Together, LLC.