Articles by BRENDA CARTWRIGHT

Closed Captioning

Closed Captioning

By Brenda Cartwright
Monday, January 23, 2023

Closed captioning took well over 30 years to appear after the onset of television programming. With laws now in place to mandate closed captioning for all new video programming, Deaf and hard of hearing consumers may finally make the most of watching television. However, captions benefit more than just the deaf — second language viewers, elderly with hearing issues, children learning to read, and really anyone watching a movie or show with audio that may be unclear at times (like characters speaking quickly or excitedly or with an accent) or when watching in a loud environment.
How does a deaf person feel when a hearing person approaches them in public and tries to use sign language?

How does a deaf person feel when a hearing person approaches them in public and tries to use sign language?

By Brenda Cartwright
Thursday, January 19, 2023

Should a hearing person approach an unfamiliar deaf person in public and try signing? Read the article to learn about social cues and keeping common courtesies in mind.
Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same — Conversation Basics

Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same — Conversation Basics

By Brenda Cartwright
Wednesday, December 21, 2022

This article is part of our “Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same” series, which highlights signs that look similar, but have different meanings. The signs discussed in this article include signs used when beginning to sign and having conversations: (1) Please vs. Sorry, (2) Please vs. Enjoy, (3) Understand vs. Don't Understand, (4) Know vs. Don't Know, (5) Help Me vs. Help You, (6) Friend vs. Good Friend, (7) Learn vs. Student, and (8) Teach vs. Teacher
Fingerspelling History

Fingerspelling History

By Brenda Cartwright
Thursday, December 1, 2022

ASL fingerspelling has interesting historical roots. Read the article to learn about the history behind the hand shapes.
Classifications of Deafness By Age

Classifications of Deafness By Age

By Marta Belsky and Brenda Cartwright
Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Classifications are used to categorize deafness based on WHEN someone becomes deaf. Read the article to learn the terminology for these classifications.
Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same — Calendar Signs

Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same — Calendar Signs

By Brenda Cartwright
Wednesday, October 19, 2022

This article is part of our “Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same” series, which highlights signs that look similar, but have different meanings. The signs discussed in this article include calendar signs: (1) Day vs. Today, (2) Tomorrow vs. Yesterday, (3) Born vs. Birthday , (4) Days of the Week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, (5) Thursday vs. High School, (6) Sunday vs. Wonderful, (7) AM vs. PM, (8) Noon vs. Midnight, and (9) Afternoon vs. Night
Tips When Starting to Fingerspell

Tips When Starting to Fingerspell

By Brenda Cartwright
Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Check out these important beginning guidelines for learning to fingerspell... and know that practice is the key.
How do people become deaf?

How do people become deaf?

By Marta Belsky and Brenda Cartwright
Wednesday, September 28, 2022

There are several causes of deafness. Read the article to learn about specific causes.
Signing Space When Fingerspelling

Signing Space When Fingerspelling

By Brenda Cartwright
Tuesday, September 13, 2022

It is important to be consistent with your posture and hand placement to create the best signing space when fingerspelling. Check out these useful tips for best results.