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From: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: DEAF AND/OR HEARING IMPAIRED
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Date: 28 Feb 91 16:14:11 GMT
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[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Hi James,

I love terminology debates, they are so much fun!

You may have already seen my messages to Annie explaining why "I"
prefer "hearing impaired" over "Hard of hearing."

While I can understand why deaf persons might be annoyed by someone
referring to them as "impaired" , I loathe the neagtive
connotations and images that abound among the hearing (and possibly
some deaf and hearing impaired) of someone who is "hard of
hearing." (For some of my previously described reasoning.)

In my case, hearing impaired is not an insult and just a statement
of fact. I am not deaf and can hear to a useable degree using
electronic devices and my hearing loss is a disorder, therefore
impairment.

I am not at all insulted or offended if someone at first believes
me to be deaf and that happens sometimes and more often, people ask
if I were born with my hearing impairment. (Usually, they say "hard
of hearing.") But, if I may have my preferecence, I prefer hearing
impaired. If and when I reach such a stage where "deaf" is the
approriate word, I shall not find that offensive.  However, it
does'nt bother me in the slightest if the word "deaf" is used in a
generic sense by a relay operator.

But "hard of hearing?" Yucky yucky yucky! Quick, someone go get my
ear horn and my granny dress!

Actually, I don't care what you call me as long as you give me lots
of love, attention and money to spend!

Keepin' the faith!

.                         Vixen

..."The invisible man? Tell him I can't see him today!"

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