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The Ragin' Cajun

50 minutes 34 seconds

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An outdoor image of a house built over still water and surrounded by trees. Caption. Eventually found a new home in French-speaking Louisiana.

Neurologist/author Oliver Sacks tells the story of Danny Delcambre, a Cajun chef, who suffers from Usher Syndrome, a congenital condition where people are born deaf and then gradually lose their sight. Explores the nature of deaf culture and the richness of American Sign Language, which includes a touch-based variation called "tactile signing." Reveals a portrait of a community of deaf-blind people who find strength in facing the future together. A BBC production.

Media Details

Runtime: 50 minutes 34 seconds

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Viewer Comments

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Darrell "Chuck" H. (TUCSON, AZ)
    July 21st, 2020 at 12:50 AM

    This video was exceptional. As a hearing person it provided great insight not only the Deaf Community but those with Usher's Syndrome and how they deal with it with a positive attitude. To date, this is the best video I've seen on those who are Deaf and who might also have this syndrome.

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Susan M. (Springboro, OH)
    February 20th, 2019 at 09:58 PM

    This is an honest but uplifting account of individuals with Usher syndrome. I show it once a semester to students who find it very informative. The content highlights the role of "community" in coming to terms with this disability.

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Jane H. (Selden, NY)
    April 20th, 2016 at 12:32 PM

    To my knowledge, DCMP is the only source for The Ragin' Cajun, which I have found to be a very powerful teaching tool in my ASL Studies Program.

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Judy S. (Portland, ME)
    February 10th, 2016 at 10:27 AM

    The Ragin' Cajun is an exemplary movie that gives a feel for the spirit of the Deaf Blind Community and their experiences that not only informs and inspires, but strongly motivates individuals to link to and want to provide a needed service of Deaf-Blind interpreting and Sighted Services that can offer individuals who are Deaf Blind and Dual Sensory impaired to contribute to providing a resource that can be used by this community to maximize their independence and, even more importantly, their impact on society in general. Oliver Sacks is both sensitive and insightful. He uses his unique candor to draw those unfamiliar with this community into its heart. The positive and culturally sensitive approach to this community offers all of us access to what can best be characterized as "Deaf Blind Gain."

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Anonymous (BEAUMONT, TX)
    October 19th, 2015 at 09:21 AM

    This was a great piece of media to explain about Deaf Blind and Cajun culture. thank you

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Jane H. (Selden, NY)
    December 17th, 2014 at 10:11 AM

    The Ragin' Cajun is a rare intimate look at the lives of people with Usher's Syndrome. It's interesting to contrast the somber tone and terminology used by Oliver Sachs with their smiling faces and successful lives of the Deaf-blind people he documents. This is great for Deaf Culture classes.