I was really surprised to discover that Italy does not recognize their Italian Sign Language as an official language. This is sometimes the case with countries, but more and more countries are recognizing Deaf language and culture as a fully linguistically characterized communication. I discovered the Deaf Italian community is fighting to get its language recognized, but certain elements of Italian society make it really difficult for Deaf people and Deaf travelers coming to Italy. I also found the studies on to be extremely lacking and it appears this is a linguistic area that could benefit from further study. It was difficult to find information and resources on the Italian Deaf community. One of the most vocal Deaf support groups is Ente Nazionale Sordi in Rome. If you are looking for information on Italian Deaf issues and current events this is one website you can’t miss.
For example, a recent Deaf American student Sheila Xu, who studied abroad in Italy on a Fulbright recounts how she was giving full free access to museums due to her disability status but struggled to navigate the museums because they were poorly conceptualized for ADA accessibility. In some areas, such as mobility, this cannot be avoided due to the historic nature of some of the sites. However, as a Deaf mobile student, she struggled to find adequate labeling for audio sources and directional instructions. She also discovered that phone services for taxis, emergency response facilities, and TTY availability, in general, were inadequate for Deaf patrons.
But, after a little more digging. I did discover a business where the Deaf can feel right at home. It’s a little bar in Bologna called Nameless Bar or Bar Senza Nome. The business is owned and operated by Deaf Italians and they have a neat little menu system that has an image on a card that shows you what you are ordering and then how to sign the order to the waiter on the other side. The bar/restaurant also has signs around highlighting some phrases in Italian Sign Language (SIL) in order to share their language and culture with their hearing patrons. I love this concept and have visited a similar business concept like this in Austin, Crêpe Crazy on South Lamar. I like stopping into this location to practice my ASL and support a locally owned Deaf business.
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