Bringing light to the news, for those who can’t hear it
In emergency situations, deaf and hard of hearing people are often the last to know. As COVID-19 swept the United States, government briefings and hospitals have failed at times to provide sign language interpreters. News updates in written English aren’t necessarily accessible, since English is a second language for many deaf and hard of hearing Americans.
For this group of more than 10 million people nationwide, the biggest source of sign language news comes from a small home studio near Detroit, with just one full-time staffer.
Every weekday, Alex Abenchuchan uses American Sign Language (ASL) to deliver briefings of top news in the U.S. and beyond. His 5-year-old online channel, The Daily Moth, has more than 200,000 followers on Facebook. Mr. Abenchuchan also regularly covers issues within the deaf and hard of hearing community. This year, he has told stories of deaf essential workers, deaf COVID-19 patients, as well as deaf victims of police violence.
The Daily Moth is one of only a handful of professional ASL news platforms. From closed captions on his videos to the color of his backdrop and his shirt, Mr. Abenchuchan's news is designed to be fully accessible for every community. But his work is also about telling a good story – and striving for credibility – like any other journalist.
“There has never been anything like The Daily Moth before,” says Stacy Nowak, professor of communication at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., a leading university for deaf and hard of hearing people. ”And in some instances, it really saves [deaf people’s] lives, because they have
Video TranscriptAlex Abenchuchan: Hello! Welcome to The Daily Moth. It’s Thursday, July 9th. Here are today’s top news briefs.Alex: Floyd’s last three words were: “Please, please, please.”Alex: I’m covering the big news in the hearing community, but also the deaf person’s perspective. That’s what I like to do, get that deaf perspective.Stacy Nowak: There has never been anything like The Daily Moth before. With the visual aspect of it, deaf people are more motivated to watch the news. And in some instances, it really saves their lives, because they have access to news they can finally understand. Alex: I love reading and watching the news, movies and documentaries. The storytelling is within me. I need to know what’s happening and I feel like I can’t miss out on knowing. Alex: The reason why this is dark is for a DeafBlind audience to be able to clearly see the contrast between the dark colors and my hands. Deaf people who can see also tend to prefer a good contrast color.Howard Rosenblum: COVID-19 has impacted us in every way and has turned our lives upside down. But deaf and hard of hearing people are usually the last to know, and often don’t realize their rights during times like these. Stacy: Deaf people are visual. Often hearing people perceive ASL as being easier, and a simplified, summarized, “good enough” version of English. Really, it’s the opposite. With non-verbal language, we see things differently, and more.Alex: I try to present the information in 3D and create more of a picture than the English allows for. For instance, news regarding Black Lives Matter street paintings. I use space to show how it’s written on the street in front of Trump Tower. Stacy: Deaf people can trust him because he cites his sources. If he makes mistakes, he will admit them, or he will correct himself. Alex: With ASL, I use my facial expressions to express tone. With my news briefs, I aim for a more monotonous delivery to remain neutral and unbiased. That means I have to tone down my facial expressions. However, I still emphasize information as needed. There’s a little bit of an art to it. Alex: Why did I name it The Daily Moth? Deaf people tend to flock towards light, especially bright light. If there’s a deaf event in someone’s house, deaf people tend to gather in the kitchen, because that’s where the light’s the brightest. The bright light gives us the energy to socialize with others. And ASL is a visual language. Howard: The Daily Moth and other similar groups have funding struggles.Alex: Deaf people go through so many struggles on a daily basis. We face discrimination. Sometimes we need laws passed that support and improve our quality of life. Without deaf journalism, those discussions can only occur in small pockets on social media.Alex: That’s all the news for today. See you tomorrow, and stay with the light.
