There have been many studies on the impact of physical activity on the human body. It has numerous benefits for physical and mental well-being. From a young age, we are encouraged to go outside. Experts recommend 30 to one hour of daily movement.

In the race of the happiest countries in the world, Denmark ranks the second happiest behind Finland. It’s no surprise given the quality of life in Scandinavian countries. 75% of the Danish population is active. Overall, Danes are above the national average for the percentage of active people, (73% being the average). How are sports and physical activity for the deaf in Denmark? Well, in this post, we’ll find out.

Danish Deaf Community

Denmark doesn’t have a huge Deaf population, the last census was recorded by the Danish Deaf Association in 2016 with 4,000-5,000 in the country, and that’s only 0.01% of the population. The official language used by this small community is Danish Sign Language or DTS. It was recognized in 2014 by the Danish Parliament. DTS has some influences from French Sign Language. Towards the end of the 19th century and into the 20th, the instruction and implementation of DTS in Nordic schools changed drastically. Denmark ended up adopting the German education model, which was essentially forced oralism for Deaf students. They had to learn how to speak and lipread, which wasn’t beneficial for them but the Deaf continued using DTS within their community to preserve their culture. In the 21st century, the political climate changed and the Danish government moved towards recognizing the Deaf community, with the establishment of sign language. 

Danish Society and Perception of the Deaf 

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Depending on the education and awareness, Henning Olsen, author of Attitudes Towards the Disabled in Denmark, writes, that there is a mostly positive perception of the Deaf and disabled community. What’s interesting is the outlook on equal rights for the Deaf community. Hearing women in particular think that there is inequality for Deaf Danes while Danish hearing men tend to be indifferent towards the issue. Some Danes who have lower education are indifferent or have no problems with inequality issues facing the Deaf community. Overall, from the study, Olsen concludes that gender plays a part in Danish society and the attitudes towards how much the government is helping the Deaf. 

In addition to recognizing DTS, the government also created acts and organizations for the Deaf. One of the most prominent is the Danish Deaf Sports Association, established in Brøndby, Denmark. It’s an independent organization that uses DTS but encourages cultural exchange between the hearing and Deaf community. The association offers everyone who is Deaf or has profound hearing loss equal access to sports and recreational activities. The programs are at varying levels so there is something out there for every participant. The Deaf community can try soccer, disc golf, running, and bowling for fun or do elite sports to train for the Paralympics. The mission behind the DDSA is to promote grassroots sports that break down barriers and build a community. 

The Current State of Sports and Physical Activity for the Deaf

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There are many outdoorsy things for people to enjoy because of the country’s geography. Many Danes go biking, cycling, playing badminton and tennis. The Danes have a long tradition of aquatic sports such as swimming and rowing. Freestyle activities popular amongst children include skateboarding, hiking, and roller skating.

Studies in Physical Education: Adaptations and Benefits for Deaf Students show that physical activity offers numerous benefits to the Deaf community, including improved cognitive abilities, better social skills, and increased happiness. However, the lack of bilingual teachers in schools can impede Deaf children’s full participation in physical education. To ensure inclusivity, strategies for teaching Deaf students should consider communication and activity modifications. By providing regular and consistent exercise opportunities, the Deaf community can experience improved mental and physical health and social inclusion.

Are there Challenges for the Danish Deaf Community?

Denmark is part of a network of Scandinavian countries that truly prioritizes its citizens through government institutions like welfare, education, and healthcare. The overall structure of society is generally catered towards creating social equality for all. The data suggests a positive reality for the Deaf community, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The Danish Deaf Association is an organization that encompasses many areas of Deaf life. They have a strong basis on DTS and it’s inclusiveness in everyday life. After all, how else can Deaf people have equal access to anything without communication?

Though the Danish government recognizes DTS, it’s not technically legally protected in public spaces. The council continues improving Danish lives through sign language classes and interpretation services. This private organization goes above and beyond to not only help the Deaf integrate into the hearing world but also community building with their people. More than that, it creates autonomy within the community so they can live their life. 

Denmark has set an example by prioritizing physical activity and sports. However, what about the Deaf community? Despite being small in number, the Danish Deaf community has made significant strides in recent years, with the establishment of the Danish Deaf Sports Association. This organization offers equal access to sports and recreational activities for the Deaf community, promoting grassroots sports that don’t create a barrier based on physical abilities, and encouraging cultural exchange between the hearing and Deaf community. Physical exercise is crucial for physical and mental health, and accessibility must be prioritized for all individuals, regardless of their hearing abilities. Denmark’s efforts to recognize and support the Deaf community are commendable and should serve as an example for other countries.

There’s more! Learn how physical activity promotes well-being and inclusion in the Deaf community at  https://www.unspokenasl.com/ 

Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by Pixabay