I agree with what you are saying to a great extent. But I can't deny that the credibility of the deaf person is often discounted simply because they are deaf. I have watched, for over 20 years now how a deaf person can relate their experience, and they are treated as if they have no clue, but let a hearing person repeat it, and it is believed all of a sudden. In fact, I have seen it happen so many times, that I now use it to an advantage. I will ask the deaf for their input, and when I am sure that I have it correct, I willsimply voice it for them, knowing that I will be considered more credible simply because I am hearing. It pisses me off, but the only thing I can do about it is turn the tables and use it to advocate for the deaf in the way they want to be advocated for. If I am unsure of something, I will go directly to the deaf to make sure that I am representing them properly. Then I use the situation to give a voice to what they have told me. It is all part of my "nothing for us without us" philosophy. And all the while, the people who won't listen to the deaf are actually being made to listen to them. I'm sure you have seen me do that right here on this forum more than once, lol.