Why is it important to have Deaf authors?
Why is it so important to have Deaf authors? To answer this question, one must first understand the long history of disempowerment and oppression of Deaf people. As mentioned in a blog at our sister company's website, “Most information — especially research on language and education — out there about Deaf people is written by hearing people, many who are not fluent in sign language and only see being Deaf from a pathological perspective.”
Such information, even in fiction, is often used to shape teaching approaches, communication methods, and even life plans for Deaf people. Inappropriately framed information — especially about being Deaf as a sad, defective thing — can negatively shape people’s perceptions of Deaf people.
The more Deaf people who publish books, the more people — both deaf and hearing — can be educated through the Deaf lens, which can slowly shift the literature and worldview to recognize authentic Deaf culture, sign language, and Deaf people’s experiences. This can also remind the world that Deaf people are intelligent and capable beings who work in every profession imaginable.
With this paradigm shift, Deaf people can then reclaim our community and futures, and dictate our own terms. Savory Words Publishing was established in 2013 to provide a Deaf-centric outlet for Deaf authors to ensure that we tell our stories through our lens and experiences.
Video description: Savory Words owner Trudy Suggs sits in front of a beige wall that shows the Savory Words sign. Behind her is a simple wood-and-metal desk, with Savory Words books held together by typewriter-design bookends, and a lamp. Trudy is wearing a dark orange printed shirt with a dark blue cardigan over; she has on dangly gold earrings.Image description: A square with rust bars on top and bottom shows on the left in a brown block, in white text, “Why is it important to have Deaf authors?” On the right is a photograph of an old typewriter. At bottom right is a white square with the Savory Words logo.
