How Deaf Scientists Communicate on the Global Platform?

It is a common misconception that deaf people cannot achieve higher education, or become a scientist. Mostly, deaf students experience an unwelcoming atmosphere in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Moreover, they have to work harder than others in the research group, in order to feel a sense of belonging. But, such students mostly come across people having little, or no experience with deaf people. This makes communication difficult. Most deaf students often refer to themselves as ‘hard-for-hearing’. If they have expertise in a particular sign language, then they call themselves ‘culturally- deaf’. Importantly, these people are actively involved in the deaf community. The deaf culture is a source of pride, support, heritage, and networking.    

There are professors such as Dr. Peter Blumbergan, who gives opportunities to deaf research minds. He is an investigator at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. USA. He not only focuses on their ability to do scientific experiments but also pays attention to scientific detail. He believes that work and success in STEM is not related to deafness. Professor Blumbergan has learnt the American Sign Language (ASL). He has translators in his laboratory for specific events, meetings and presentations.