Do we understand the deaf?

MEZZA, hearing impaired is not offensive to every deaf or hard of hearing person. Hearing Impaired is a term that's generally used by people who talk and hear. These people are likely not to find it offensive but normal. They know it's referring to 'not-so-perfect-hearing' rather than thinking they are incapable. Hearing Impaired is also used as a medical term. I find that Hearing Impaired is more neautrilized and 99 percent of people do attempt to communicate with me without being so awkward than if I use deaf because a lot of people are uneducated about what "deaf" really means. I don't identify with "deaf" because I hear and speak which would cause confusion to many people. I either use Hearing Impaired or Hard of Hearing. Some deaf people will be offended, so you'll have to ask them, but a person who is hard of hearing or who is deaf that speak and hears some is likely not to be offended. Heather WhiteStone former Miss America 1995 uses deaf plus she speaks and hears. I don't know how she feels about Hearing Impaired. I hope you get the idea.

I can tell you that I do find misconceptions about people like me and ismi (the poster above). A lot of time ASL classes teach things a lot regarding those whose language is ASL or the Deaf culture. For example, I used to have an interpreter in classes in high school. Some of the deaf students would try to sign with me, which was a bit annoying because I didn't use sign, so I wish these classes would teach people to ask before they try to sign with everyone who has a hearing aid or uses an interpreter. A boy talked to me instead of sign. He was smart. Some people at work or this one lady in the grocery store uses sign with me when I talk with everyone there when I need to. I think they are just so excited and desperate to use it in the real world that they'll use anyone with a hearing aid. I never respond in sign language because it's not my language, so it's frustrating that they are making ASL and Universal thing that applies to everyone who doesn't hear well. Plus, sometimes they sign and it's f*ing confusing what they're trying to say to me, and I respond with a frustrating (voicing) "what?!" They get the message. Well, here's your broad knowledge about deaf, hard of hearing, hearing impaired people. I find if I tell them I don't use sign language, they'll think I don't accept my deafness or they get offended. Hello?!

This is a general question to some of you. Have you noticed some people who talked to you in a baby tone? I respond normal. They talk louder and in a sort of baby talk, and I am like, "I can hear that..." Sometimes they treat you a bit like a little kid when you're their age *laugh.* I look around noticing the people looking at them then me trying to figure out why. I need to start educating....
 
Hey, has anyone ever experienced being called "death"? When I was growing up, I had hearing people ask me this question.."Are u death?" I used get so pissed off about it and now I just say "yes, I need a break from lying in my coffin." Geez...talk about needing speech therapy!
 
gnulinuxman said:
"Deaf" and "hard of hearing" are your safest bets when being general, but when talking to/about someone, you should ask the person. Typically "deaf" is for people with no usable hearing and/or function like "deaf people" (that is, visually and/or with tactile communication), and "hard of hearing" is typically used for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss and function more like hearing people. There are exceptions, so pay attention to people's preferences.
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In some countries, the term "deaf" can describe *anyone* with a hearing loss from mild to profound.

However, in the United States, "deaf" is used to describe those who have profound (90+ dB loss at 250 Hz, 500 Hz and 750 Hz) or total loss of hearing while "hard of hearing" is used to describe those who have mild, moderate, severe or severe to profound hearing loss and who primarily use speech for communication.

Deafblind is used to describe those who have combined vision and hearing loss.

There are 6 categories of deafblindness. They include:

1. Totally deaf and blind
2. Deaf and legally blind (visual acuity of 20/200 or less with best correction or a visual field of 20 degrees or less)
3. Deaf and visually impaired (visual acuity of 20/70-20/100 with best correction)
4. Totally blind and hard of hearing
5. Legally blind and hard of hearing
6. Visually impaired and hard of hearing
 
Well i think the term "hearing impaired" is just a bunch of PC crap. People who know nothing about those they are trying to describe but thinking they are being sensitive to them. All Deaf i know think of that term as though they are broken and something is wrong with them. Deaf is prefered.
This article was interesting. A lot of it rubbed me the wrong way as others have said, but i consider the scource. Other cultures see things differently than we do in this country. I do think that if more people would speak to Deaf and take the time to get to know them they would see that there is no difference in them as people, only in the way that they communicate.
 
I find the use of the word "victim" in this article highly offensive. D/deaf people aren't "victims" of deafness. :(
 
Demise said:
"Deaf and dumb" is not perfectly acceptable term in many countries to Deaf or Hard of hearing.

That word "Deaf and Dumb" refers to uneducated hearing people. They should know that “Deaf and dumb” or “Deaf and Mute” or “Hearing Impaired” are "expired", "vacant", "inappropriate" or now known as "insolent" words. There is a suitable or appropriate way to say that they are “hard of hearing” or “Deaf” just to be polite and respectful. I guess it's not their fault; it's their education system's fault.

They all need to be educated about deaf in hearing or deaf school. I remembered I was in a health class in 10 grades, my teacher boldly told the class to skip a page about deaf front of me. That furious me… Also 4 years ago my baby sister in her six grades, her teacher told the whole class that deaf is a disease... That double-furious me...
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There is still so much IGNORANCE out there! I love what you said about "deaf and dumb" applying to hearing people. Deaf because they refuse to listen, and dumb because they don't want to learn!
 
Hear Again said:
I find the use of the word "victim" in this article highly offensive. D/deaf people aren't "victims" of deafness. :(
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LOL! i didn't even think about it till now. i am sorry I find it kind of amusing like Deafness just sneaks up behind you and clubs you over the head. Don't walk down that street you know they have deafness running loose over there. My car was stolen by Deafness!!!! Don't swim at that beach you know there have been reports of Deafness attacks!!!!!!! yeah i can see how you would be offended by that, but i see the humor in peoples ignorance sometimes. They don't realize what they say makes other people think.
 
Southern said:
LOL! i didn't even think about it till now. i am sorry I find it kind of amusing like Deafness just sneaks up behind you and clubs you over the head. Don't walk down that street you know they have deafness running loose over there. My car was stolen by Deafness!!!! Don't swim at that beach you know there have been reports of Deafness attacks!!!!!!! yeah i can see how you would be offended by that, but i see the humor in peoples ignorance sometimes. They don't realize what they say makes other people think.
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That's true. LOL! :) When I read articles like this, sometimes I take them *way* too seriously. I need to lighten up! <grin>
 
Hear again, I had the same thought. When I read the word "victim" I started to laugh as I realized the stupidity in the use of the word.
As a cop, I have stood over the bodies of victims. I have interviewed victimd of crime. I have dealt with many victims of many things.
One thing when using the word victim to keep in mind. Whenm the word is used, there has to be a suspect or perpatrator. So who is the suspect of making a deaf person a victim? Who will I find and arrest for making my daughter deaf victim?

As far as "hearing impaired" is concerned, I think it is a bunch of overly politically correct crap. I equate that to people that refuse to call things for what they truely are. For example, I am a white man, not a caucassion american. If you are a white guy from England, are you a caucasion Englishman? SO are you a different species as I am ?

More people in the hearing world do understand that deaf hoh people are normal people that just dont hear as well or not at all, than most here seem to think. Unfortunately, as humans, we overlook the good to remember the bad.
 
Lillys dad,

I agree! On another thread, I talked about my digust with political correctness and expressed my desire for people to call me what I am -- blind. I hate it when sighted people use a myriad of other terms to describe me like visually impaired, visually handicapped or my least favorite -- sightless. :( One person argued that since I couldn't see, I was, in fact, sightless. I retorted by saying while it's true I can't see, that doesn't mean I have to accept being called something I don't like. I believe in calling a spade a spade. People are so afraid to use the word "blind," "look," "watch" or "see." I imagine the same is probably true for the D/deaf and hard of hearing when hearing people are afraid to use the words "hear" or "listen." I just don't understand that.

My experiences with hearing-sighted people have been 95% positive. I think much of it comes down to attitude and how well you treat others. For example, I always welcome questions about my guide dog or CIs. I'm of the opinion that if people don't ask questions, they'll never learn about our culture or appreciate the fact that we are just like everyone else -- we just can't hear.
 
Hear Again said:
Lillys dad,

I agree! On another thread, I talked about my digust with political correctness and expressed my desire for people to call me what I am -- blind. I hate it when sighted people use a myriad of other terms to describe me like visually impaired, visually handicapped or my least favorite -- sightless. :( One person argued that since I couldn't see, I was, in fact, sightless. I retorted by saying while it's true I can't see, that doesn't mean I have to accept being called something I don't like. I believe in calling a spade a spade. People are so afraid to use the word "blind," "look," "watch" or "see." I imagine the same is probably true for the D/deaf and hard of hearing when hearing people are afraid to use the words "hear" or "listen." I just don't understand that.

My experiences with hearing-sighted people have been 95% positive. I think much of it comes down to attitude and how well you treat others. For example, I always welcome questions about my guide dog or CIs. I'm of the opinion that if people don't ask questions, they'll never learn about our culture or appreciate the fact that we are just like everyone else -- we just can't hear.
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Pls dont take this as an offense but this just popped up in my mind so it really doesnt mean anything, ok?

U know that the term "deaf and dumb" is very degrading and it seems to be used to this day. I got to thinking and I just realized that the term blind never had any degrading word attatched to it to my knowledge. Like "Blind-dumb" so my question is why does the word "deaf" have those words linked to it but not the word "blind"? Does that mean in the old days and possibly in today's time, society has accepted blindness in people than deafness due to no communication barriers?

Just something that popped into my mind.
 
Shel,

This is only a guess, but I think the term "deaf and dumb" was originally used to describe deaf people who could not speak. Being unable to speak (i.e. deaf-mute) translated into meaning that a deaf person was stupid because he couldn't talk (which we all know is *not* true).

The word blind does have negative connotations to some people. For example, when some people think of a blind person, they think of a blind beggar standing on the street corner with a tin cup. They think of a person who constantly bumps into things or a person who wears mismatched clothes. Some people even think of Stevie Wonder and his "blindisms" (habits that are particular to blind people such as swinging the head from side to side, rocking or poking one's finger in their eye, etc.) instead of the wonderful music he creates.

To me, the word blind represents something entirely different. It represents a person who can travel independently with a guide dog or cane, a person who is proud to read Braille or use speech output, a person who isn't ashamed of his blindness or the alternative techniques he or she uses to live a happy and productive life.

Fortunately, I think attitudes regarding the blind, deaf and deafblind are changing for the better. While there are still plenty of stereotypes out there, I think a great majority of the general public understands the abilities of disabled people. Perhaps I'm viewing this through rose colored glasses -- I don't know -- but based on my experiences at least, I have noticed some improvement (over the past 10-20 years) in public attitudes about my capabilities as a deafblind person.
 
COrrect. While I know the term "deaf and dumb" has a negative connotation to it. It is not used in that manner. The term "dumb" refers to a person that cannot or does not talk. So the term means that a person cannot hear or talk. The only people I have ever heard use this term are very old people. The same that call black people "colored or negro" I use the term black, not african american. If it offends you, too bad.

Actually, as far as deaf or blind having negative connotations, the only example I can really think of where either is used in a negative manner is when a hearing or seeing person misses something. Example, if someone said something to me and I didn't understand them, they would say to me "are you deaf?" or the same for blind if I did not see something. Thats really about it for using either in a negative manner.

Hear again, check you private messages. I have an odd question for you.
 
Hear Again said:
Shel,

This is only a guess, but I think the term "deaf and dumb" was originally used to describe deaf people who could not speak. Being unable to speak (i.e. deaf-mute) translated into meaning that a deaf person was stupid because he couldn't talk (which we all know is *not* true).

The word blind does have negative connotations to some people. For example, when some people think of a blind person, they think of a blind beggar standing on the street corner with a tin cup. They think of a person who constantly bumps into things or a person who wears mismatched clothes. Some people even think of Stevie Wonder and his "blindisms" (habits that are particular to blind people such as swinging the head from side to side, rocking or poking one's finger in their eye, etc.) instead of the wonderful music he creates.

To me, the word blind represents something entirely different. It represents a person who can travel independently with a guide dog or cane, a person who is proud to read Braille or use speech output, a person who isn't ashamed of his blindness or the alternative techniques he or she uses to live a happy and productive life.

Fortunately, I think attitudes regarding the blind, deaf and deafblind are changing for the better. While there are still plenty of stereotypes out there, I think a great majority of the general public understands the abilities of disabled people. Perhaps I'm viewing this through rose colored glasses -- I don't know -- but based on my experiences at least, I have noticed some improvement (over the past 10-20 years) in public attitudes about my capabilities as a deafblind person.
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Aha!!! That was the word I was looking for to use "connotations" It was bothering me that I couldnt remember it but I knew it started with a "co". LOL!

Anyways, thanks for your good points. True..I never thought about the stereotypical images of blind people.

:)
 
Shel,

I'm glad I was able to come up with the right word! I hate that when a word is on the tip of my tongue, but I can't retreive it when I want to. LOL!
 
Just responded and joined. I am a bit confused with organization, but I will figure it out. Thank You!
 
The above poster mentioned "death" instead of deaf. That irratates the hell out of me! I know a family that has a HOH daughter, when mom says deaf, she says Death. OOOOOOOThat spisses me off. I finally had to correct her.

I also had a conversation in a park with a little 7 or 8 year old boy who kept calling Lilly death. He was fascinated with the fact that lilly could not hear. He kept demanding that Lilly take off her CI. Infact, he got pretty pushy with the issue. He wanted to see that Lilly could not hear anyhting witoput her equiptment. He was a little bully that tried to force his agenda. He ended up following Lilly and I around the palyground insisting that I take off Lillys CI.
I finally had to squat down to his level and look him in the eye and tell him to go away. I felt bad until I realized that he is the exact kid that would pick on Lilly if he had the chance.
Sorry, Off topic.
 
Lillys dad said:
The above poster mentioned "death" instead of deaf. That irratates the hell out of me! I know a family that has a HOH daughter, when mom says deaf, she says Death. OOOOOOOThat spisses me off. I finally had to correct her.

I also had a conversation in a park with a little 7 or 8 year old boy who kept calling Lilly death. He was fascinated with the fact that lilly could not hear. He kept demanding that Lilly take off her CI. Infact, he got pretty pushy with the issue. He wanted to see that Lilly could not hear anyhting witoput her equiptment. He was a little bully that tried to force his agenda. He ended up following Lilly and I around the palyground insisting that I take off Lillys CI.
I finally had to squat down to his level and look him in the eye and tell him to go away. I felt bad until I realized that he is the exact kid that would pick on Lilly if he had the chance.
Sorry, Off topic.
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Dont feel bad. From my own personal experience, bullies who are very insistent like the boy u mentioned before wont stop until someone gets physically hurt whether it is the victim or the bully himself. I have had bullies who have gotten physical with me for no reason. Usually, it would start out with them picking on me about my deafness and I would ignore them. They would keep on pushing and pushing until actual pushing and shoving became involved. I had to change one class in the 7th grade cuz of one girl who kept harrassing me to the point of pulling my hair in class all because I am deaf. Guess what? The school didnt do anything about her..just moved me to a different class. A great solution to the problem, huh? U did the right thing by telling that boy to go away.
 
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