Deaf people have to go through many obstacles in their daily life, including communicating with other people. Not many people know sign language, so the deaf would have to improvise by reading the lips of the one they are talking with.
Though, in this global pandemic, they are unable to do so with masks made mandatory. Most masks we’ve seen are not see-through, so it would cause a communication barrier between the deaf and those that aren’t.
Seeing this problem and wishing to overcome it, a Twitter user with the username @leahajk created her very own version of masks.
I’m a deaf person who is making masks with a clear panel to help those that are struggling due to not being able to lipread. you can purchase them from here! https://t.co/nL5gROudXY pic.twitter.com/YBGEjPA0UN
— leah (@leahajk) November 1, 2020
@leahajk created masks with a see-through material just around the mouth area. With this, the deaf can understand what’s going on or what the people are talking about – though fogging can be an issue, she suggested that using anti-fog applicators would do the trick.
To everyone asking about it fogging up, if you use washing up liquid, toothpaste or anti fog spray it’ll do the trick! You can also google tips from scuba divers on how they prevent their masks from fogging up
— leah (@leahajk) November 3, 2020
Though it’s not available worldwide, this idea would certainly spark the public to be more aware of people with different backgrounds and situations.
Source: Twitter @leahajk
