To anyone confused: sign languages are distinct languages in and of themselves, with their own etymology, not simply a visual medium for existing languages. My understanding is that it's many deaf people's preferred method of communication, even if they can also read and write; some deaf people can read lips, but most don't.

Unfortunately, many older deaf people were denied access to education and thus cannot read or write fluently in other languages. COVID was actually a huge improvement in accessibility for deaf people as major governments and news organizations started including sign language interpreters in their broadcasts.