Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!asuvax!ncar!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!sdd.hp.com!think.com!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!104!809!Karen.Keil
From: Karen.Keil@f809.n104.z1.fidonet.org (Karen Keil)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Deaf And/or Hearing Impaired
Message-ID: <17902@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 28 Feb 91 16:07:10 GMT
Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP
Reply-To: Karen.Keil@f809.n104.z1.fidonet.org
Distribution: misc
Organization: FidoNet node 1:104/809 - Fantasy Mountain, Golden CO
Lines: 42
Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP

Index Number: 13751

[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

 * Replying to a message originally to Anyone With An Opinion
CBI am a relay operator, and recently there has been a great
CBdebate taking place in my office.  I would welcome any
CBcomments.  When we make a call to a hearing person, we always
CBstart with "Hello, this is the relay operator for the deaf and
CBthe hearing impaired...I have a call for _____."  Some say we
CBare being redundant by saying "Deaf AND Hearing Impaired"
CBOthers say that folks with mild hearing loss would resent
CBbeing included in the "deaf" category, while others claim that
CBfolks considered to be completely deaf, are comfortable with
CBthat term, and resent anyone trying to "dress it up" by using
CB"Hearing Impaired".  To top it all off, more and more Speech
CBImpaired callers are using the relay.  If, as an operator I
CBannounce a call "Hello, this is Chrissy with the relay service
CBfor the deaf, hearing impaired, and speech impaired...I have a
CBcall for ____"  It would prove to lengthy .....
  You have touched upon a current debate about the terms 'deaf' and
'hearing-impaired'.  You can't win using either term.  I don't care
which one you use---'hearing-impaired' is fine--it's better than
'deaf and dumb'  (connotations of stupidity).
    An item in the SHHH Journal (Jan.-Feb. 1991) told about two
groups saying that 'hearing-impaired' was not acceptable, but 'deaf'
and 'hard of hearing' are.   More terms to add to the fire!
        I think for clarity and brevity, use '....a relay operator
for the deaf and speech-impaired'.
        Are you working for U. S. Sprint in the Colorado Relay
service?  I have found them very friendly, professional and great to
use for relay calls.  The first time I ever called my sister using a
new TDD via the Colorado Relay, my brother-in-law answered the phone
and misunderstood the operator and thought he/she said 'a call from
a DEAD person'.... my sister took the phone, asking herself, is this
really happening?  (Ha, Ha!)
        Hope my comments help.
Karen

--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!104!809!Karen.Keil
Internet: Karen.Keil@f809.n104.z1.fidonet.org