When “I’m sorry” follows a hearing screen, Deaf is framed as bad news.

Part of the Micro-Stories series – everyday truths of Deaf identity and access.

This moment is shared in BSL with English subtitles.

A baby is born.

A screen is done.

And the words that follow are often:

“I’m sorry.”

That apology lands before language.

Before the community.

Before identity.

It quietly teaches parents that Deaf is something to grieve.

That difference means loss.

The first message often becomes the first belief.