Breaking Silence: Adam Snyder, a Deaf Man’s Perspective on Media Representation and Accessibility

Adam Snyder is a 25-year-old deaf man who lives in Freeland, Michigan. His life experiences, shaped by his identity, offer valuable insights into the often-misunderstood world of the deaf community. In a recent interview, we explored not only his personal experiences but also his perspectives on media representation and how it impacts the lives of those who are deaf.

“They don’t really portray it; they don’t really talk about it. There are a lot of deaf jokes. A lot of people don’t take deaf people seriously,” Snyder stated. He emphasized that portrayals in the media are predominantly negative, especially with social media, highlighting a lack of understanding and accessibility.

Social media has been the breeding ground for many tone-deaf jokes. Snyder stated, “A lot of people make jokes on social media.” He said the jokes make him feel disconnected from hearing people and make him feel like deaf people are not treated equally or well.

The lack of media portrayal makes Snyder feel marginalized from society. He said, “It’s like a different world.” This feeling of alienation is compounded by a lack of representation, which leads to misunderstandings about deaf culture and identity.

Snyder also mentioned that there is a lack of ASL interpreters during important events, which alienates many deaf individuals from vital information. “For a lot of political campaigns, they surprisingly don’t have ASL interpreters to show what they are standing for. It makes it hard for deaf individuals to understand,” Snyder said. This lack of accessibility is not just an inconvenience; it directly impacts civic engagement and the ability of deaf individuals to participate fully in society.

Even recreational activities, such as going to the movies, present significant challenges for deaf people. Snyder stated, “During movies in theaters, they don’t have open captions.” What is considered an enjoyable activity by hearing people makes deaf people feel isolated. This disparity shows the need for greater inclusivity in media entertainment, where everyone can enjoy the same experiences without barriers.

“Try to understand how they grew up, their experiences, because every single deaf person grew up differently,” Snyder said. He shared that he began using English in kindergarten while undergoing speech therapy, but he predominantly communicates through ASL. His journey with language reflects the broader experiences of many in the deaf community, who navigate many different ways of communication.

Snyder’s experience with a cochlear implant began at a young age. “At the age of five, I got the surgery. At age six I started using the cochlear implant on one side. I can hear through electrical signals sent to my brain since my nerves can’t do that,” he said.

His experience with cochlear implants has been mixed; although it allows him to perceive sounds, he struggles to understand multiple voices and background noise. Snyder said, “It’s not perfect hearing.” Expressing the challenges he faces every day, he explained, “I get headaches. I don’t wear it all the time.”

When media representation was discussed, Snyder pointed to a positive instance where deaf individuals were depicted, notably in the film A Quiet Place, which authentically showed ASL. He said, “One of the only popular movies that shows what it’s like to communicate without any sound.”

However, he talked about the rarity of such representations. Snyder said, “There are other movies and TV shows I have seen, but they aren’t popular enough to send a message.” This emphasized the need for more positive and accurate portrayals of deaf people in the media.

Snyder’s insights extended to broader societal interactions, where he has faced prejudice and insensitivity. He recounted experiences in service settings, where staff often refused to engage patiently, reflecting a widespread lack of awareness. “They will not be patient with you, and often won’t make your order right. They act like it’s not their issue or they don’t get paid enough to care,” he shared.

Other challenges Snyder has faced include assumptions and misconceptions. He said, “A lot of people think you are lower level. People think we are dumb. People think we have different kinds of disabilities.” He talked about an instance in a retail store when a worker assumed he was special needs and how it made him feel like an outcast.

To improve media coverage, Snyder advised reporters to understand the diverse backgrounds of deaf individuals before asking questions, highlighting that each deaf person's experience can differ significantly. “If they communicate with ASL, use an interpreter,” he stated. Not all deaf people use ASL and not all deaf people use English. It differs with each deaf individual's unique experience.

Snyder expressed hope for a future with more ASL interpreters and better access to closed captions in media. Advancements in technology, such as video calls and texting, also help. “It makes a huge difference because it helps us communicate easier,” he emphasized, underlining the crucial role that accessibility plays in fostering connection and understanding.