answers...
1.How did you become deaf?
My doctors believe i became deaf/hard of hearing because of all the ear infections I had as a baby/child. Damaged the hair cells inside the cochlea
2. How did your parents react to you becoming deaf?
My mom was a bit upset, she tried to deny the fact that I had a hearing loss but she is very understanding now about it.
3. Any other minority?
I do no get this question...can you elaborate?
4. Do parents or siblings know sign language?
My parents and siblings do not know sign language. I am just learning it and my family is more than willing to as well if the need arises
5. What communication method did you use at first?
Oral communication (english,italian, french, and spanish)
6. Education background? (school and college)
I have graduated high school and now am in college/university
7. Where do you work? If no job, why?
I work at a bank
8. What communication method do you use now?
I still use oral communication, as well as visual cues to make sure I get what is being said.
9. Social activities?
I am a competitive cheerleader and I also do gymnastics and use to play soccer until recently
10. What is your view on ASL?
LOVEEE IT! I am in the process of learning but I am so fascinated with the language!
11. View on Deaf Culture?
Deaf Culture is very unique and I never fully understood some of the views until I started to lose my hearing at age 16
12. View on cochlear implants?
I think it's great technology for people who want it for themselves or children, as long as they know that it's not a "quick fix" and that at the end of the day you are still Ddeaf. I would get a cochlear implant if i qualified and my hearing got to a level where I really needed it, but I will still always be deaf/hoh
13. Any deaf role model?
Helen Keller, I learned much about her when i was in grade school and I always admired her for everything she overcame
14. Where there any frustrations in your life? (Please explain in detail)
Only recently...I also have bilateral severe tinnitus which sucks and with that plus the hearing loss which is 50 dB or so almost across the board but my low frequencies are what i have the most trouble with. I also have had the most trouble at school with teachers being uneducated about Ddeaf/hoh students.
15. If you were president, what would you change in the hearing world?
Education, I beleive that people are ignorant to different people because they lack the eduction on certain things like deafness for example.
16. Religion-Do you attend church?
I am Roman Catholic, but i do not attend church as often as I should...
17. What kind of hobbies do you take part in?
I am trying to take as much time to learn ASL. I am a cheerleader so I stretch alot and TRY to eat healthy lol. I am picky so it's hard sometimes. I also enjoy reading..I LOVE to curl up in my bed or in the bath and just read a good book
18. Significant others or friends-How did you meet?
I have a boyfriend (2 years in january). He is hearing and we met at work.
19. Have you taught family members signs?
I have taught my mom and cousins some signs like I love you and my name
20. What is the most useful way for you to communicate with your hearing family or friends?
All my friends and family are hearing, so sometimes it takes some repetition or re-wording but they are patient with me and know that I sometimes need a longer time to process something cuz if it's just even a bit too noisy, chances are I didn't get the full convo.
If you have anymore questions for your paper, feel free to email me
my email is lil_italia89 at hotmail dot com
I don't want it to be a direct link in case of spammers
thanks!