Actor Marlee Matlin joins groundbreaking researchers in deafness and for a wide-ranging discussion of cutting-edge research and how it will affect lives. Recent breakthroughs in vision and hearing mean many forms of blindness and deafness may soon be reversible. This will not be greeted with universal acclaim. Deafness is not just a disability; it is a culture with its own language and history. For many in that community ‘cure’ equates to cultural genocide. With blindness, the issues are different, but just as difficult. Will a brain that learned to navigate without sight suddenly be able to make sense of visual signals? Join a vibrant discussion of cutting-edge technology and the lives it will impact. This program is part of the BIG IDEAS SERIES, made possible with support from the JOHN TEMPLETON FOUNDATION. Access the alt text enabled slide deck here: docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-KGsT_p8U0gEQzdEQmz8cAYTe0aMdqy__OL3A5rS5Js/edit#slide=id.p PARTICIPANTS: E.J. Chichilnisky, Jim Hudspeth, Daniel Kish, Marlee Matlin MODERATOR: Emily Senay MORE INFO ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND PARTICIPANTS: www.worldsciencefestival.com/programs/can-we-cure-deafness-and-blindness-should-we/ 0:37 – Jim Hudspeth & Marlee Matlin Introductions 1:35 – How does hearing work? 7:40 – What causes hearing loss? 10:00 – Marlee’s relationship with her interpreter 13:04 – Preferred language around defining deafness 14:40 – Marlee’s experience growing up deaf 20:55 – Cultural issues surrounding deafness 30:25 – “Sound and Fury” documentary 34:24 – E.J. Chichilnisky introduction 35:04 – How does sight work? 38:19 – Daniel Kish introduction 39:15 – Human echolocation demonstration 47:40 – Research into restoring hearing 50:10 – Cochlear implant demonstration 54:35 – Issues with cochlear implants in the deaf community 58:15 – Removing social barriers for the deaf and blind 1:00:24 – Technological ways to address vision loss PROGRAM CREDITS – Produced by Andy Meyer – Associate Produced by Matt Carlstrom – Music provided by APM – Additional images and footage provided by: National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Sarah Snow & Jules Dameron – SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel and “ring the bell” for all the latest videos from WSF – VISIT our Website: www.worldsciencefestival.com – LIKE us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/worldsciencefestival – FOLLOW us on Twitter: twitter.com/WorldSciFest