07/22/2026
One thing that is very important to understand is that Kaylee Hottle came from a core part of our Deaf community. She was part of a strong Deaf family where ASL is the first language. Their family has deep connections with many other Deaf families who also value ASL and Deaf culture.
Most deaf people are born into hearing families. Even among Deaf families, there are different experiences. Some families blend hearing culture and Deaf culture in different ways.
From my perspective, there is a difference between an ASL-based Deaf culture and an English-based environment. Today, many deaf people—including some Deaf families—place a strong emphasis on learning and living in an English-based environment. As a result, some become less comfortable using natural ASL. Families that remain strongly ASL-based are fewer in number. In many ways, they have an advantage because they often have deeper connections within the Deaf community. Those relationships create opportunities to connect with many people across generations.
This video from James Jr & Jimmy Show reminded me of that. The Hottle family has had a tremendous impact on the Deaf community. They have done so with humility, kindness, and a strong ASL-based Deaf identity. James Jr & Jimmy Show also comes from a Deaf family. While they represent both English-based and ASL-based experiences, they are still deeply connected to the core of our Deaf community.
In this video, James Jr shares his respect for the Hottle family by talking about the many ways they connected with others—from fantasy football to many other friendships and activities. Their connection was not simply because they were both deaf or because of their communication methods. It was because they shared deep roots in the Deaf community and valued those relationships.
I enjoy both groups because they continue to encourage and strengthen our Deaf community.
Gone too soon. My prayers, love, and deepest respect go out to the entire Hottle family. And much respect toward James Jr & Jimmy Show.
