Young and Deaf: Dean's Story

First thought was: What a handsome guy!

Dean is a good looking guy, i think Dean will make a huge difference in the lives of the deaf and hard of hearing people,Dean is definitely an inspirational human being

"don't judge me, because I already judge myself" wow.......

I honestly don't understand parents who do not fully learn sign language when they get a deaf/hoh child. It causes a lot of grief for the child, and a lot of isolation and frustration for them when they grow up to not be able to properly communicate with their parents.

we had a deaf student in our class in the 1st grade (who is now my best friend- and has been for 15 years) we went to the same school together from 1-12. Throughout middle school and elementary our teachers and students put in time before homeroom to learn sign language so that we could better communicate with him- we thought it was the least we can do to exert common decency along with installing flashing lights and other deaf-friendly things around school. By the time we had finished 4th grade the majority of us were strongly proficient in ASL. In high school, our entire class would share notes with each other via shared document on google drive and not only did it help us to learn better through collaboration but also my best friend wouldn't have to worry about taking pictures of the notes in class like Dean seems to have. It struck me as a bit weird idk.

His little brother loves him so much 😊😊

I am 13 years old and deaf and both of my parents and older brother are hearing, everyone in my family can hear but every one, my cousins, uncle and aunts, and grandparents learned to sign just for me but I go to a deaf school so I can communicate better with my classmates because they are also deaf and the teachers because they can sign and some teachers are deaf but not all

He is a very inspirational young man with a bright future. Keep your motivational spirit Dean, it's very admirable xx

Your an inspiration Dean !

As a deaf person, I could relate to the multiple problems that he would face in school and at home.

Beautiful inside and out intelligent young man!!! Will share video with my baby who is also deaf in high school.

What a beautiful beautiful boy. He is still more deserving of the air he breaths a thousand times than me.

Dean, you are an inspiring young man. Thank you for sharing your story.

He is soooo attractive!!!

My daughter has microtia and goldenhar, thank you dean , thank you for speaking /signing out

It's nice that New Zealand can represent their youth with youth themselves

I thought he was signing ASL and I was so confused. I muted the video so I could focus on the signs, then when I couldn't understand anything I unmuted it and heard the accent its BSL

Thank you Mr. Dean for sharing. You’re strong, much stronger than a lot of us.

I've been doing sign language for 18 years. So expressive. And it helps me understand alot, just wish there was a interpreter when I go to ER but such as life. :)

I can't begin to imagine what it's like to be deaf but be deaf and openly LGBTQ+! He is such an inspiration.