First Language versus Primary Language
I grew up in a Hearing family. I knew only English. I started learning Sign when I was 20 years old. I am almost 40 years old. I have been signing for half my life. PSE/ASL has become my PRIMARY LANGUAGE/mode of communication.
I have a documented disability that has been dx'ed TWICE. I have received accomodations for said disability in a college setting. I have a record of said disability. I am regarded as having said disability. Whether I have (C)APD or some other hearing loss/impairment/disorder (such as AN/AD) cannot be determined without further testing. I am SICK OF testing. It is a waste of time. Some people benefit from hearing aids/FM system with CAPD. Some don't. Some people benefit from hearing aids/FM system with AN/AD. Some don't. I happen to benefit to a degree from hearing aids, an FM system, a Sign Language interpreter, lipreading, etc. There is no one accomodation or solution.
BUT, as far as language(s) and culture go; I MUCH prefer the Deaf world. I do not view myself as "a broken Hearing person." I am just me. Sometimes I label myself "hearing impaired" (mostly with Hearing people). Sometimes I label myself "Hard-Of-Hearing" (mostly with Deaf people). I am neither fully Hearing nor fully Deaf. I am "hearing impaired" AND Hard-Of-Hearing.
I don't think people who are outside the Community have a right to force me to use expressive/receptive spoken English. Or to use it at all. And if autistic people are better at using ASL/PSE, then I think they should be encouraged and accomodated. I am an Aspie myself, and there are times when my English just SHUTS DOWN.
What I do want is CLEAR COMMUNICATION.
