Unveiling the Distinct Challenges Faced by Deaf Individuals in the Lewiston Mass Shooting Tragedy
Tragic shooting in Lewiston claims lives of four deaf individuals, exposing their unique vulnerabilities during emergencies The deaf community mourns the loss while highlighting the lack of post-crisis support resources
The recent deadly shooting in Lewiston, Maine, where 18 people lost their lives, has shed light on the unique challenges faced by the deaf community during mass shootings and other emergencies. The impact of this tragedy was particularly devastating for the local deaf community, as four of the victims were deaf individuals who were participating in a cornhole tournament at a bowling alley and restaurant.
During a crisis, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing approach situations differently as they lack auditory cues. Consequently, they may struggle to identify immediate risks and experience confusion, resulting in delayed responses, according to experts. Moreover, as they cannot rely on sounds for alerts, many deaf or hard of hearing individuals must rely on alternative cues such as sensing vibrations and observing the behavior of others in order to perceive threats in their surroundings, explains Howard Rosenblum, the CEO of the National Association of the Deaf.
The impact of these challenges on the deaf victims in Lewiston remains unclear. However, experts suggest that some of them may not have heard gunshots or other auditory warnings, which are crucial for making immediate decisions in such situations.
According to MegErasmus, clinical therapist and CEO of National Deaf Therapy, this lack of auditory cues can be extremely disorienting and traumatic. Not being aware of the immediate danger can make individuals feel vulnerable and experience a deeper shock and trauma.
Members of the deaf community in Maine also express that their mourning and distress immediately following the shooting was intensified due to limited availability of media updates and inadequate mental health care.
The loss hit Maines deaf community hard and resonated nationwide
The individuals who lost their lives in Lewiston were four deaf individuals who were engaged in a game of cornhole at Schemengees Bar and Grille when an assailant began shooting. Identified by their loved ones and the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, these individuals are William "Billy" Brackett, aged 48; Bryan MacFarlane, aged 40; Joshua Seal, aged 36; and Steve Vozzella, aged 45.
Seal was an advocate for the deaf community and a prominent sign-language interpreter at state government briefings during the coronavirus pandemic.
People sign "I love you" at a vigil for victims of last month's mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine.
Matt Rourke/AP
Advocates argue that the deaf community was deeply affected by the attack, highlighting a significant loss that has received little attention in the media. This tragedy is likely one of the deadliest instances of gun violence ever experienced by the community in the United States, according to Rosenblum.
Erasmus explains, "The pain felt by a deaf person within the community is shared by everyone. The impact ripples through each and every one of us. Our tight-knit and interconnected deaf community leads us to believe that, even in different parts of the country, we either have a personal connection with this individual or know someone who does."
It is a fairly common concern. A study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that one in every five Americans aged 12 and above experience hearing loss that hinders effective communication.
In emergency or crisis circumstances, individuals who are deaf or have difficulty hearing often encounter communication obstacles as they are unable to perceive emergency sirens or announcements through loudspeakers, states Erasmus.
"Failure to deliver this crucial information to deaf individuals can cause confusion and delays in their response," she explains. "As a result, their sympathetic nervous system becomes heightened, functioning excessively in an attempt to compensate for the lack of information. This can lead to further detriment and potential harm to their mental well-being."
According to Erasmus, this disconnection experienced during a crisis can have enduring repercussions, as it can create feelings of isolation within the deaf community.
Deaf individuals may encounter challenges in accessing necessary support and information during times of tragedy. For instance, news broadcasts often lack sign language interpreters or mental health professionals who are proficient in sign language, according to Erasmus. This can further intensify their sense of isolation and impede their ability to connect with others or seek assistance, thereby exacerbating their trauma. Tommy Minch, a resident of Maine, shared with CNN's Omar Jimenez, via an interpreter, that during the immediate aftermath of the Lewiston shooting, he turned on his television to receive updates on the manhunt for the perpetrator. Unfortunately, he found no interpreters or captions available on air.
He was desperate for news but was left in the dark, said Minch, who is a member of Maines deaf community.
Regan Thibodeau, a deaf interpreter, spoke to the press during a press conference held in Lewiston, Maine. According to deaf community advocates, the impact of the tragic incident reverberated throughout the entire country.
Minch expressed frustration over the delayed access to immediate news in the deaf community, which creates a constant struggle. According to Rosenblum from the National Association of the Deaf, the lack of communication accessibility during and after a crisis is a significant concern. To address this issue, advocates for Maine's deaf community have approached local TV stations, urging them to include interpreters in their news broadcasts.
"Our objective is to establish a system that provides equal access to information for every individual, regardless of any obstacles," he explains. "Furthermore, there should be a universal alert system that ensures every person receives emergency notifications through the most accessible mode for them."
Advocates for individuals who are deaf also emphasize the necessity of nationwide availability of 911 text services, enabling people to send help requests via messages during emergencies. While Maine residents are able to use the text 911 service, numerous states do not have this option.
Deaf people also face a lack of resources after the threat is gone
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, the trauma caused by mass shootings and other crises can be compounded by the lack of access to resources afterwards, Rosenblum says.
According to National Deaf Therapy, approximately 5 million individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing require mental health services, yet only 2% of them receive such support. Rosenblum highlights that Maine, for instance, lacks an adequate number of licensed mental health professionals who are proficient in sign language.
"Engaging with mental health professionals who lack fluency in sign language can lead to difficulties and potentially exacerbate trauma. This is particularly true because these providers may not comprehend deaf culture and frequently misunderstand the challenges posed by language barriers," he states.
Police gather at Schemengees Bar, where four members of the deaf community were killed when a gunman opened fire on October 25.
Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images
Erasmus emphasizes the importance of deaf individuals receiving therapy from professionals who possess a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the deaf community. These therapists should be knowledgeable in providing "trauma-informed care" that is specifically tailored to the individual's unique needs.
According to Erasmus, it is crucial for the therapist to be fluent in American Sign Language. This is because sign language is not a simple translation of English; it utilizes facial expressions to convey tone and emotion, and possesses distinct nuances of its own. Consequently, during times of crisis, sign language emerges as the most effective mode of communication.
According to Rosenblum, captioning cannot be consistently relied upon by individuals who are not fluent in English and rely on sign language. This is particularly true when it comes to receiving complex and time-sensitive information.
Lewiston's journey towards healing serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by the deaf community for access and resources, experts emphasize. However, it also stands as a testament to the unwavering unity within Maine's deaf community. This bond has been particularly apparent in the past few days, as highlighted by Minch in an interview with CNN.
Amidst this scenario, there is a noticeable increase in people's attentiveness towards one another, checking in and staying connected," he remarked. "Recovering completely from this situation will undoubtedly require time. The only thing left for us to do is to persist and pay tribute to the lives lost."
