WTCI, the community’s PBS station, will broadcast "Through Deaf Eyes", a documentary that explores the life of the American deaf community over the past 200 years. The program, which will air at 8 p.m. on Wednesday examines the shared experiences of American history - family life, education, work, and community connections – from the perspective of deaf citizens.
WTCI will supplement the national PBS documentary with “Focus on Health: Prescription for a Healthy Life.” This local roundtable discussion will focus on the daily challenges deaf people face and their experiences. The panel will feature local medical experts along with everyday citizens who live and thrive while dealing with deafness and hearing loss. Many people who are hard of hearing face similar challenges.
The panel discussion will feature deaf individuals and those who are hard of hearing. They will also be taking and answering questions live on the air from our viewers.
The special is a part of WTCI’s monthly primetime health initiative that educates the community on a different health issue each month.
“This program encourages respect and understanding of the rich history, culture and contributions of the deaf community,” said Paul Grove, WTCI President and CEO. “This is one way WTCI plays a positive role in enriching the community. WTCI’s mission is to provide programming with a vital purpose.”
Narrated by actress Stockard Channing, “Through Deaf Eyes” includes interviews with former Gallaudet University president Dr. I. King Jordan, actors Marlee Matlin and Bernard Bragg, as well as historians and deaf Americans with diverse views on language use, technology and identity.
The documentary shows the reality of the deaf community in isolated and tragic social interactions. The deaf community became more visible in the 1960s with television and stage presentations by the National Theatre of the Deaf. Later, the success of “Children of a Lesser God,” brought deaf life and American Sign Language further into the public awareness.
Major funding for WTCI’s health initiative is provided by Unum Group.