Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!samsung!olivea!oliveb!bunker!hcap!hnews!203!11!Vixen From: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Re: DEAF AND/OR HEARING IMPAIRED Message-ID: <17963@bunker.UUCP> Date: 1 Mar 91 04:23:01 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 1:203/11 - The Broken Rose BBS, Sacramento CA Lines: 105 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 13812 [This is from the Silent Talk Conference] Hi Annie, Yes, I understand your definitions of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing Impaired. I "do" accept that it is not incorrect to call me "Hard of Hearing" since I can and do hear to useable degree using hearing aids, ALDS and an amplified telephone system. Although the part of your qualifier that does not fit (for me) is "hearing clearly" through the use of these devices. As for me, how well I do is proportionate to where I am and what is going on around me at any given time. For example, my hearing aids amplify "everything" and create a din of noise in my better ear that makes it hard to hear beyond the "noise." My Telex helps with this since persons can speak directly into a remote Microphone which than allows me some selective hearing. But there is still the problem amplified ambient noise even so. I still do well on my Amplified phone setup and it works quite well with my aids, but even with all of these of neat "ear gadgets" I can plug into. I "lose" words and often have to know what someone may be talking about by stringing what I can hear together and I try to do it without stopping the other person every other word or three. Also, I can still "play" music and hear that music although I cannot hear very much of my voice if I sing along. I also have considerable difficulty "separating sound" so Bonnie, who is an Audio Engineer and very good with acoustics, sound and eletronics can create little devices for me to help me stay in time with what I cannot hear or hear well. (and yep, I am one of those people who sometimes is "shouting" when I think I am taling normally.) So, I would say that it is quite inaccurate to call me deaf at this time and I even admit that "Hard of Hearing" is accurate and even a "clearer more specific description than "Hearing Impaired." My problem is that I loathe the Hard of Hearing "image" that many normally hearing people have. Yes, you are quite correct when you guess that normally hearing people "yell" at Hard of Hearing people just as they do with some deaf people. They not only yell, they became quite annoyed and sometimes quite angry if you are unable to understand them. They will say things like, "Well, you would hear me if you were listening" and tell you things like, "You do not pay attention, that's your whole trouble!" So, you see, just as some hearing seem to want to make the Deaf hearing, they also have great difficulty with the Hard of Hearing. People also forget that there are different levels of how Hard of hearing one person might be. I do best, with my Aids and ALD in quiet environments, although my new Telex has allowed me some pretty impressive communication (within reasonable limits.) Yes, I think I am Hard of hearing I just hate the image that goes along with the expression. So, my preference for the more general "Hearing Impaired." As to residential schools for the Deaf. I think this is an issue that I am not really competent to address as I am without direct experience. I follow the coversation threads here and I have studied them a bit in college, but I suspect that many would discount my opinions as those of a "Hearie" and their value (if any) diminished. The little I would say that I would just suspect perhaps much depends on the upbringing of the Deaf child and what works best. I do know both Mainstream and residentially educated Deaf persons who seem to be doing quite well in life and who seem satisfied and well adjusted to the social environs. One thing I suppose I can address, even if I am a "later" hearing impaired, is that I agree with your thoughts concerning the breaking down of barriers and the coming together of people. I think it is incumbent upon (I hate this expression) the "hearing world" to face its part in this matter and to understand what it is that Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons want and need to do and to educate and address themselves to these issues. On the other hand. it then becomes important for the Deaf not to turn a cold shoulder when sincerely motivated hearing persons try to make such attempts. Even I, have seen this happen a number of times. This is not an area I am unfamiliar with because it is not peculiar to Deaf people but exists for those of us who have other problems or multiple handicaps. Actually, what "I" see is this, whether we are talking about Deaf, Blind or what have you, it is not just a matter of Deafies versus Hearies but rather that it has "always" been very difficult for those of us who cannot hear, who cannot see, who cannot walk and Et Cetera, to get the real attention of society at large. Therefore it is understandable that we bond together with those who are like us and understand. It becomes an extended family and easily evolves (sometimes) into an "Us against them" isolation. I personally believe that society at large has the greater responsibility here, but putting up walls and isolating will not get us the things we want. It would seem to me, that it requires climbing over or breaking through those walls. Easier said than done, there is noone that has to tell me that! Keepin' the faith! . Vixen ..."Running through the jungle!" -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!203!11!Vixen Internet: Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org