New downtown Idaho Falls mural gets thumbs-down from deaf community

A new mural in downtown Idaho Falls is drawing criticism from members of the deaf community and their supporters because the painting — which was done by a local artist who is not hearing impaired — incorrectly used American Sign Language.

The mural — titled “Look and Listen” and commissioned by the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho in partnership with the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation — is meant to depict four signs in American Sign Language but the signs were illustrated incorrectly.

Many members of the deaf community responded this week to a Downtown Development Corporation Facebook post of the mural, saying members of the deaf community should have been consulted on the project.

As of Thursday afternoon, more than 170 Facebook users had commented on the social media post. Most of the comments expressed disappointment, anger or confusion in response to the mural. Others said they appreciate the intent of the mural — that communication with and understanding of marginalized groups are important — and acknowledged the freedom of the artist to illustrate that message.

Read more and view photo: https://www.postregister.com/news/local/new-downtown-mural-gets-thumbs-down-from-deaf-community/article_81d9f21a-6495-5140-883a-8772647c29b9.html