I am Deaf and these are my fundamental demands

TO THE EDITOR:

You have walked alongside me for years. I have explained myself, demonstrated my abilities, and proven my place in every room I’ve entered. Yet before anything else is said, let me begin with the simple truth:

I am Deaf.

No explanation needed. No qualifiers. No justifications.

For generations, others have debated what that means – from Alexander Graham Bell to the National Association of the Deaf, from the North Carolina School for the Deaf to the State of North Carolina itself.

Committees, boards, institutions, and experts have argued over definitions, ideologies, and methodologies. They have written papers, passed resolutions, and held conferences — all to decide what Deaf people need, who we are, and how we should be educated.

But somehow, I am still expected to explain myself.

Why?

Why must I repeat what I have already said in every classroom, workplace, public office, and gathering? Why must I justify my identity to those who insist they already know better? Why must I be examined, evaluated, or debated when the truth is simple?

I am Deaf.

And because I am Deaf, I require access to communication.

Not charity.

Not pity.

Not “accommodations” framed as burdens.

Not surveillance disguised as support.

Access.

We live in a world where our education has been filtered through the narrow lens of FAPE — a phrase meant to promise a Free and Appropriate Public Education. But whose definition of “appropriate” are we really using?

Too often, it is defined by people with advanced degrees and polished résumés who gather in rooms to decide what’s “Best for the Deaf,” while excluding Deaf voices from the table entirely.

A bunch of people with fancy papers arguing about theory, while ignoring lived experience.

I am not asking for an “appropriate” education” — one that is merely good enough to meet legal minimums.

I am demanding an accessible education.

I am demanding access to language, learning, community, and opportunity.

I want access to education.

I want access to communication.

I want access to freedom.

This is not radical.

This is not negotiable.

This is not up for debate.

I am Deaf.

That should be enough.

KELLY J. FAUST