This article was translated by artificial intelligence and reviewed by humans.
Deaf September, also known as Blue September, is a time dedicated to visibility, awareness, and celebration of the Deaf community and culture.
A month with several representative dates that mark the importance of the theme (among them the International Day of the Deaf – 09/20, the International Day of Sign Languages – 09/23, and the National Day of Deaf Visibility – 09/26), the movement promotes the inclusion of Deaf people and the appreciation of Sign Language.
And of course, we at Hand Talk, pioneers in the application of AI in Sign Languages, creators of the most beloved virtual translators on the internet, Hugo and Maya, and great partners in the Deaf cause, could not fail to celebrate!
Therefore, we chose to celebrate in a special way; sharing about Deaf Power (or, freely translated into Portuguese, Deaf Power)!
Don’t know it yet? Then prepare your <o/ pose and read this article to the end to learn how to bring this protagonism into your personal life and your company – with testimonials from Deaf people at Hand Talk!
Deaf Power is a global expression that symbolizes empowerment and appreciation of the Deaf community.
A union of the terms Deaf and Power, it is a celebration that addresses deafness not as an obstacle, but as part of the Deaf person’s identity, which does not prevent them from achieving their goals and dreams (when, in fact, what hinders are accessibility barriers).
From all indications, Deaf Power emerged through an organic and digital mobilization led by Deaf people themselves, who, by defending their linguistic rights, reclaimed their collective history and pride in their identity.
» Read also: Inclusive Organizational Culture: Importance and How to Apply It
The Deaf Power icon unites the characters <0/ or \\>. Its most recognized authorship is attributed to artist Christine Sun Kim and designer Ravi Vasavan, both Deaf.
In addition to graphic representation, it is also a bodily pose: it symbolizes a person placing one hand on their own ear and the other hand raised, connecting deafness with a position of power.
Indeed, the pose is also the international sign – and in ASL – for Deaf Power.
Because of all it signifies, it is widely used in media within the Deaf community, as in this photo, taken with some of our Deaf HandTalkers:
Some of our Deaf HandTalkers.
And speaking of our HandTalkers…
They will share with us what Deaf Power means to them!
Hand Talk (HT) What does the expression Deaf Power mean to you?
Tiago Bezerra (TB) “Deaf Power is the pride of being Deaf, it is the collective force that shows that the community has culture, identity, and the ability to transform society. For me, it means not seeing deafness as a limitation, but as a potency, as something that generates new forms of communication, art, innovation, and inclusion.”
Thalya Teles (TT) ”I believe it is a celebration of Deaf identity and its diversity. Beyond that, I believe it also means representativeness: nothing about us, without us! A way for Deaf people to position themselves in society and say ‘I can be or be wherever I want, maintaining my identity’.”
Darley Goulart (DG) – “For me, Deaf Power is a reminder that the Deaf community is not a ‘barrier,’ nor ‘impossible,’ but rather creative, capable, intelligent, and the protagonist of its own story. It’s like painting a canvas full of pride. It’s the super strength of being who we are, with our language, our culture, and our struggles (against audism). It’s like lighting a blue light in the dark: showing that the power of being a Deaf person lies in turning the visual into resistance and pride.”
HT What does the Deaf community represent in your life?
TB “The Deaf community represents belonging. It’s like a family that shares the same language, the same challenges, and achievements. It was there that I learned that we are not alone and that together we can conquer spaces that once seemed closed.”
TT “It represents purpose and identity. Before having contact with the Deaf community in the way I do today, I didn’t realize how important my struggle, my positioning, and my resistance were. Today, I position myself for myself and also for all Deaf people who often don’t have this opportunity.”
DG: “The Deaf community is like my second home, my boat, and my safe harbor. It represents identity, literature/expression, and inspiration. It was within it that I learned that Libras is not just communication, but a way of living, teaching, expressing, researching, and dreaming.”
HT What would you like hearing people to better understand about Deaf Power?
TB “Deaf Power is not about excluding or opposing hearing people, but about balancing forces. It’s about respect, equal opportunities, and recognizing the value of Deaf people. I would like hearing people to understand that Deaf empowerment is a gain for all of society, because it brings diversity of ideas and perspectives.”
TT “We don’t want to be better than anyone and we are not ‘asking for a favor’. We are just positioning ourselves and claiming our rights (including the right to Deaf identity and culture).”
DG: “You, hearing person, may never truly feel what Deaf Power is, but you can be an ally and, above all, show respect.”
HT If you could leave a message for companies about Deaf empowerment and protagonism, what would it be?
TB “Don’t look at deafness as a disability, but as a differential. When a company opens space for Deaf protagonism, it not only includes — it innovates, expands horizons, and strengthens its own brand. Diversity is not a cost, it is an investment in the future.”
TT ”The Deaf community is plural and diverse. This diversity needs to be respected and valued.”
DG: “Listen to and value the stories of Deaf people, because within them lies true empowerment and protagonism. To companies, I say: be hearing allies, show respect, and open space for Deaf leadership to flourish.”
“Deaf Power is like raising a flag for the Deaf community and saying: we are here, strong, creative, and alive.” – Tiago Bezerra
“Deaf people can and should position themselves, occupy different spaces, be whoever they want to be, and express their identity, whether through sign language or oralization” – Thalya Teles
“[The Deaf Community] is the foundation that has gifted me with everything: in education, in art, in linguistics, in research, and even in the way I see the world.” – Darley Goulart
Deaf Power demonstrates that Deaf people should occupy all places with their Deaf pride: in school, in leisure, in purchasing power, in culture – and of course, on the internet and in companies!
Just like Deaf September, Deaf Power is not just an expression: it is a sign of resistance
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