Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!396!27!Paul.Bergeron From: Paul.Bergeron@f27.n396.z1.fidonet.org (Paul Bergeron) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Re: Sign language Message-ID: <14716@bunker.UUCP> Date: 4 Oct 90 18:59:11 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Paul.Bergeron@f27.n396.z1.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 1:396/27 - The Node III BBS, New Orleans LA Lines: 92 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 10878 Ok, here goes......... (1) How did I lear Signs? After I became deaf, I went to the La. School for the deaf. Everyone there signed, but mstly they just fingerspelled. That is about all I learned there. I learned how to do full signs in college in a sign language class that was required of deaf people in the program there. (2) How dod I feel when I became deaf? Well, It really didn't bother me. When I first began to lose my hearing, the doctors thought it was only temporary. By the time we found out it was permanent, I was used to it. (3) How do I feel about being deaf now? I like it. Being deaf has actually helped me see more about how the world really is. When you don't hear all The BS that everyone else hears everyday, you are able to make decisions on what you feel is right. Not because you heard it fro someone els, but because it is what you truly feel. (4) How do others treat me because I am deaf. Well, some people act funny. They don't treally know about deafness, and think deaf people must be stupid. some people are amazed that I can drive, work, and do everything anyone else can do. Then there are other people who are very understanding, and treat me as their equal. (5) How did my parents react, and did they learn signs? Well, my parents were afraid at first. They were always worrying that I might get hit by a car when riding my bike or something. My mother learned how to fingerspell, and so did my sister. They did not try to make me be like they wanted me to be. I did what ever I wanted, and they finally realized that my deafness wasn't going to change things in the family much. (6) What sort of facilities are available to the deaf in america? Well, there is not really much. there are a few deaf clubs in our area, but everyone is always bickering and fighting. I quit the local club about 6 years ago because of that. I still go to partys and such, but am not a member of any group. (7) What is my feelig towards deaf people in general. Well, I have lot's of deaf friends. I see many of them at work everyday. I get along fine with most of them. I haven't dated a deaf girl in the past 5 years. It is hard to find a deaf girlfriend, because I have known all the deaf girls for over 15 years. We are all friends. Know what I mean. (8) What is it like living in America. What is racial tension?? Well, I am happy with my life. I don't think I will ever live anywhere else except in the New Orleans Area. As for Racial tensions, A persons race doesn't bother me at all. I am white, but have dated black and hispanic women. I think everyone is equal. NOTE: The answers you gave me to questions 6,7,8, were cut off by this bbs. It has a limit of 50 lines. Could you answer them for me again? (9) How old am I? (22)? I wish. I guess I am the opposite of you. I am 32, going on 18!!! (10) Is there an Inner core in the deaf community who don't get along with people who become deaf late in life? There are none here that I know of. I do know a few deaf people whose parents don't want them to sign, but most deaf people here welcome anyone. People in NewOrleans seem to be really easy going and friendly. (11) How Deaf am I. Just about as deaf as you can be. I don't really know, or care. I am happy the way i am. (12) what are my hobbies? Job? Well, you could probably guess that my main hobby is computers. I have been foling around with many different types of computers for almost 10 years. I work for the U.S. Navy in their printing and publications plant. I am sor of a Supervisor (working leaderman) for the bindery department. (13) what do I think of deaf people,. Well, like you say, some are shallow, and only want to stay in their own little world. They are always trying to get me to go to deaf functions and such that I am not interested. But mostly, I think they are pretty OK. Guess that's the last question. I have to go now and help my girlfriend's sister with her new computer. The only thing she has figured out is how to tun it on!!! L8r, -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!396!27!Paul.Bergeron Internet: Paul.Bergeron@f27.n396.z1.fidonet.org