AIDS, Not Hearing Aids: Exploring the Link Between the Deaf Community and HIV/AIDS

This article will address the reasons that the messages brought by massive HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns in several countries literally fell on deaf ears within the Deaf community, and how this in turn made it possible for Deaf people's health and human rights to be violated. Then it will show how the Deaf community has gradually geared up to protect itself against the spread of the HIV virus. Attention is given to the importance and meaning of "effective communication" and the role of Sign Language interpreters. Finally, recommendations are offered towards better protection of Deaf people's health and human rights.