Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sun-barr!olivea!uunet!samsung!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!think.com!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!147!41.0!Chrissy.Burns
From: Chrissy.Burns@p0.f41.n147.z1.fidonet.org (Chrissy Burns)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Deaf and/or Hearing Impaired
Message-ID: <17888@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 28 Feb 91 16:02:15 GMT
Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP
Reply-To: Chrissy.Burns@p0.f41.n147.z1.fidonet.org
Distribution: misc
Organization: FidoNet node 1:147/41.0 - Seeing Impaired Tec, Norman OK
Lines: 26
Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP

Index Number: 13737

[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

I am a relay operator, and recently there has been a great debate
taking place in my office.  I would welcome any comments.  When we
make a call to a hearing person, we always start with "Hello, this
is the relay operator for the deaf and the hearing impaired...I have
a call for _____."  Some say we are being redundant by saying "Deaf
AND Hearing Impaired"  Others say that folks with mild hearing loss
would resent being included in the "deaf" category, while others claim
that folks considered to be completely deaf, are comfortable with
that term, and resent anyone trying to "dress it up" by using "Hearing
Impaired".  To top it all off, more and more Speech Impaired callers
are using the relay.  If, as an operator I announce a call "Hello,
this is Chrissy with the relay service for the deaf, hearing impaired,
and speech impaired...I have a call for ____"  It would prove to lengthy
as we have a large number of calls coming in that need to be handles
smoothly and efficiently.  If I simply say "This is the Relay Operator,
I have a call for _____"  it seems I run into people who have never
heard of the relay and they say "the what?"  "What is this for?"
"I will not accept any charges!"  Any Suggestions?  GA to SK

--
Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!147!41.0!Chrissy.Burns
Internet: Chrissy.Burns@p0.f41.n147.z1.fidonet.org