Linguistic/Cultural Minority or part of disabled rights movement

[Grummer]

First of all you should watch your spelling...Second as JennyB asked "Are you deaf? hoh? Have a deaf child (or children)? or maybe you're a CODA? If the answer is no to all of the above, then how do you have a right to comment on what is what if you are deaf/hoh?

I know that I have a disability but I don't pity myself. Ya, I need some accomodations because I like to hear what is going on, and to be able to get the full "picture" (esp. in class) I need note takers and an FM system as well as good seating so I can lipread. If my hearing decreases I will have to learn ASL (which I am starting next year) and I think it's a GREAT tool to have. Why only use some of the tools in the toolbox, if you need them, if you have all the tools right in front of you?

I am taking linguistics next year and I hope to go on to take my Masters and become a Speech Language Pathologist and I will support the bi-bi approach because ha or not, ci or not, ASL and oral language is, in my opinion, the best approach. As I was not born deaf/hoh it was never an issue for me to learn ASL, if I had been born deaf/hoh I'm sure my mom would have wanted me to be happy being bi-lingual (asl and eng) rather than possibly struggling later on in life just because some people think that being oral is the answer to being "normal".

(words edited out) I spell the british style so I dont use 'z' in 'organisations' however there is ONE mistake i did made is a repeat of 'pro' in 'appropriate'. Since you have disability, i take it that you are latened HOH. Admiting to have a disability doesnt imply having a tendency to pity one-self. Some do, but most 'real' disabilty advocates do not.

(Mod edit: 2nd paragraph comments removed)

 

[Grummer]

I agree. I think there is a culture that surrounds all disability, not only the Deaf community.

yep, disabilty culture is definitely there, and its diferent. For one thing it does have in common with Deaf culture is the significance of sports. However, in a scholarly sense, it would surely be interesting to know which is 'more advanced' and which is more 'suppressed'? the linguisitic minority or the sub-culture of deviant (for a lack of better word, ouch)

 

[jillio]

yep, disabilty culture is definitely there, and its diferent. For one thing it does have in common with Deaf culture is the significance of sports. However, in a scholarly sense, it would surely be interesting to know which is 'more advanced' and which is more 'suppressed'? the linguisitic minority or the sub-culture of deviant (for a lack of better word, ouch)

The culture of disability is not considered to be deviant. Deviant implies a chosen lifestyle.

 

[JennyB]

FIRST OF ALL , Disability is NOT impairments , neither are they interchangable !!
SECOND of ALL, DONT bloody use abbreviations, ie, PSW, what is the hell is that?
and lastly what has 'being deaf' or being as hearing impaired got to do with whether i experience deafness as disability first-hand or second hand really matter?!
why is so important to ask me that? that is irrelevant for your response to my 'post'. FYI, I'm deaf

Why it is true that not all impairments are disability, it doesn't mean that all impairments aren't disability. Being impaired by alcohal or a substance is not a disability. It is a temporary impairment caused by substance abuse. However, hearing impairment - when permanent - would fall under the catagory of a disability to every professional I have ever met. Because of my deafness I qualify for disability supports from the province, from my school, from work. I am protected under the disability rights code in Ontario. I have a disability.

PSW, Personal Support Worker. I provide 1-1 support to individuals with disabilities. Specifically I specialize in language development and children with hearing loss. I work closely with SLP's and Audiologists to arrange and follow through with language development programs, as well as personal and life skill programs.

It does very much matter if you are deaf or hearing because to make such large claims agaisnt a community with such conviction does require a certain degree of knowledge and understanding before one can take you seriously. Clearly the Deaf community has done something to hurt you or else I can't see why you would attack it with such passion.

 

[JennyB]

The culture of disability is not considered to be deviant. Deviant implies a chosen lifestyle.

I was just about to say that. I know I never chose to be deaf or have CP.

 

[jillio]

Why it is true that not all impairments are disability, it doesn't mean that all impairments aren't disability. Being impaired by alcohal or a substance is not a disability. It is a temporary impairment caused by substance abuse. However, hearing impairment - when permanent - would fall under the catagory of a disability to every professional I have ever met. Because of my deafness I qualify for disability supports from the province, from my school, from work. I am protected under the disability rights code in Ontario. I have a disability.

PSW, Personal Support Worker. I provide 1-1 support to individuals with disabilities. Specifically I specialize in language development and children with hearing loss. I work closely with SLP's and Audiologists to arrange and follow through with language development programs, as well as personal and life skill programs.

It does very much matter if you are deaf or hearing because to make such large claims agaisnt a community with such conviction does require a certain degree of knowledge and understanding before one can take you seriously. Clearly the Deaf community has done something to hurt you or else I can't see why you would attack it with such passion.

While it is true that alcohol or drugs can temporarily impair, it is also true that, if use accelerates to dependence, it most definately is not just an impariment, but a disability, as well. Good comparison!

 

[JennyB]

While it is true that alcohol or drugs can temporarily impair, it is also true that, if use accelerates to dependence, it most definately is not just an impariment, but a disability, as well. Good comparison!

Yes, but that dependence means a permanent impairment...and therefore a disability

 

[jillio]

Yes, but that dependence means a permanent impairment...and therefore a disability

Absolutley!

 

[Buffalo]

I am back. ... I still think it is mostly linguistic & cultural. It is small part of disabled rights movement. We need to fight for equality for the disabled, yes but I see it as linguistic/cultural because we really need to sign.

 

[lovezebras]

(words edited out) I spell the british style so I dont use 'z' in 'organisations' however there is ONE mistake i did made is a repeat of 'pro' in 'appropriate'. Since you have disability, i take it that you are latened HOH. Admiting to have a disability doesnt imply having a tendency to pity one-self. Some do, but most 'real' disabilty advocates do not.

(Mod edit: 2nd paragraph comments removed)

And what, may I ask, is the problem with me saying I have a disability?! And who are you to make an assumption that I am latened hoh. Whether I say I have a disability or not, me being deaf/hoh makes me fall under the "disability" category in the eye of the general public. I guess I'm not a 'real' advocate as you say. I may not be as involved in the deaf community as I would LIKE to be but don't assume....u know that saying..don't make an ass out of U and ME...just don't make an ass out of yourself.

 

[jillio]

And what, may I ask, is the problem with me saying I have a disability?! And who are you to make an assumption that I am latened hoh. Whether I say I have a disability or not, me being deaf/hoh makes me fall under the "disability" category in the eye of the general public. I guess I'm not a 'real' advocate as you say. I may not be as involved in the deaf community as I would LIKE to be but don't assume....u know that saying..don't make an ass out of U and ME...just don't make an ass out of yourself.

If you advocate for yourself as an HOH person, and I know that you do from our previous conversations, then you also advocate by default for all HOH people. Advocacy for your rights paves the way for the next person. Don't sell yourself short.

 

[Grummer]

If you advocate for yourself as an HOH person, and I know that you do from our previous conversations, then you also advocate by default for all HOH people. Advocacy for your rights paves the way for the next person. Don't sell yourself short.

ditto

 

[Grummer]

'selling yourself short' is typical remark, it is a syptom from a lack of conscientisation, in other words the way the dominant ideas and values are bombarded on everyone, raises the power for those who believe in it, and at same entraps , weaken those in position whom do not believe in this 'ideals' but are still compelled to conform, and thus says the right things, do the right things to promote the ideals of those who actually oppresses them. Jillio's comment provides a hint while its is not explicit -there is a reason behind this, stark expose to the reality of facts and experience being mismatched can be quite crude, even disturbing, it would create bewilderment as confusion stinks in. I do know what im saying , and yet I wil refuse to explain further, because it is probably more responsible to 'holdback' and let the 'rude awakening' to occur more gently in so doing, you would have more grip to preserve your sanity.

 

[lovezebras]

If you advocate for yourself as an HOH person, and I know that you do from our previous conversations, then you also advocate by default for all HOH people. Advocacy for your rights paves the way for the next person. Don't sell yourself short.

I do advocate myself as HOH, you're right! I have no problem admitting that because I am hard of hearing! But for Grummer to assume that I'm latened hoh, and say it as so, was rude and un-called for. Oh, and trust me I don't sell myself short jillio

P.S. ohhh JennyB oh where oh where can you be!

 

[lovezebras]

'selling yourself short' is typical remark, it is a syptom from a lack of conscientisation, in other words the way the dominant ideas and values are bombarded on everyone, raises the power for those who believe in it, and at same entraps , weaken those in position whom do not believe in this 'ideals' but are still compelled to conform, and thus says the right things, do the right things to promote the ideals of those who actually oppresses them. Jillio's comment provides a hint while its is not explicit -there is a reason behind this, stark expose to the reality of facts and experience being mismatched can be quite crude, even disturbing, it would create bewilderment as confusion stinks in. I do know what im saying , and yet I wil refuse to explain further, because it is probably more responsible to 'holdback' and let the 'rude awakening' to occur more gently in so doing, you would have more grip to preserve your sanity.

And as for your comment posts, I am getting sick of the way you think you are the end all and be all of what is what. You may THINK you know everything but you most certainly do NOT. You have never met me nor do you know how I feel about certain things, or how I act on a day-to-day basis as a human being. I am not confused at what I believe in thank you very much. Also, in regards to my sanity, it is well intact as well and you did not disturb it in anyway because I don't listen to rude, ignorant, inconsiderate people like yourself.

 

[jillio]

'selling yourself short' is typical remark, it is a syptom from a lack of conscientisation, in other words the way the dominant ideas and values are bombarded on everyone, raises the power for those who believe in it, and at same entraps , weaken those in position whom do not believe in this 'ideals' but are still compelled to conform, and thus says the right things, do the right things to promote the ideals of those who actually oppresses them. Jillio's comment provides a hint while its is not explicit -there is a reason behind this, stark expose to the reality of facts and experience being mismatched can be quite crude, even disturbing, it would create bewilderment as confusion stinks in. I do know what im saying , and yet I wil refuse to explain further, because it is probably more responsible to 'holdback' and let the 'rude awakening' to occur more gently in so doing, you would have more grip to preserve your sanity.

You are totally off base on this one Grummer.

 

[JennyB]

'selling yourself short' is typical remark, it is a syptom from a lack of conscientisation, in other words the way the dominant ideas and values are bombarded on everyone, raises the power for those who believe in it, and at same entraps , weaken those in position whom do not believe in this 'ideals' but are still compelled to conform, and thus says the right things, do the right things to promote the ideals of those who actually oppresses them. Jillio's comment provides a hint while its is not explicit -there is a reason behind this, stark expose to the reality of facts and experience being mismatched can be quite crude, even disturbing, it would create bewilderment as confusion stinks in. I do know what im saying , and yet I wil refuse to explain further, because it is probably more responsible to 'holdback' and let the 'rude awakening' to occur more gently in so doing, you would have more grip to preserve your sanity.

If I get started on the oppression piece it is possible I will never stop.

You are on a very high horse and making some very interesting claims which, you do not seem to have shown the qualifications to be making. I am not sure what this 'rude awakening' that you speak of is but I do know that it is not coming to me anytime soon. I am very involved in the disabilities rights movement and while it is true that there are many Deaf people who refuse to align with it there are also many that do. I am very involved in human rights in general and I know the ins and outs of it very well.

Quite frankly, your last post was merely a string of extravegant words strung together in an attempt to make yourself seem smart. In reality you didn't really say anything...

 

[Grummer]

If I get started on the oppression piece it is possible I will never stop.

You are on a very high horse and making some very interesting claims which, you do not seem to have shown the qualifications to be making. I am not sure what this 'rude awakening' that you speak of is but I do know that it is not coming to me anytime soon. I am very involved in the disabilities rights movement and while it is true that there are many Deaf people who refuse to align with it there are also many that do. I am very involved in human rights in general and I know the ins and outs of it very well.

Quite frankly, your last post was merely a string of extravegant words strung together in an attempt to make yourself seem smart. In reality you didn't really say anything...

what qualifications? but then again pf course we do need qualifications - hmmph - but sometimes i am leery, for it imply a form of comforimity to the hearing world (but again if we want equal treatment we have to be meet half way) but conformity irks me a wee bit sometimes.

Well i guess that we have to 'earn' that respect from the hearing community to speak on our own behalf but sometimes its almost 'begging' for permision to speak? news ideas 'has to rub well' with the hearing - where is our 'real rights'?? coming to that, Disability rights movements, yay great. how so are you involved with human rights?

your human rights model maybe be in different flavour to ours, since that political, economic, and institutional set ups between american and New Zealand are not the same.

 

[JennyB]

what qualifications? but then again pf course we do need qualifications - hmmph - but sometimes i am leery, for it imply a form of comforimity to the hearing world (but again if we want equal treatment we have to be meet half way) but conformity irks me a wee bit sometimes.

Well i guess that we have to 'earn' that respect from the hearing community to speak on our own behalf but sometimes its almost 'begging' for permision to speak? news ideas 'has to rub well' with the hearing - where is our 'real rights'?? coming to that, Disability rights movements, yay great. how so are you involved with human rights?

your human rights model maybe be in different flavour to ours, since that political, economic, and institutional set ups between american and New Zealand are not the same.

I am from Canada

I am involved in the gay rights, feminism, and disability rights movements over here. I work with several organizations to facilitate change on a national, provincial, and local level. I have done lots of media (google Jen Blaser and you should be able to find some of my queer rights stuff) I have served on advisory boards and focus groups for many organizations, I have sat on panels discussion youth rights within schools and anti-oppression education. I have written many essays on anti-oppression education, one of which was published. I was a member of the accessibility committee for my former town, and I plan to get involved in similar committees in Toronto if possible.


I have also spent many many hours researching and then fighting for my clients in community, and school situations.

 

[Grummer]

And as for your comment posts, I am getting sick of the way you think you are the end all and be all of what is what. You may THINK you know everything but you most certainly do NOT. You have never met me nor do you know how I feel about certain things, or how I act on a day-to-day basis as a human being. I am not confused at what I believe in thank you very much. Also, in regards to my sanity, it is well intact as well and you did not disturb it in anyway because I don't listen to rude, ignorant, inconsiderate people like yourself.

Settle down, well i apologise for being rude, it wasnt my intention.
The way i sometimes write indeed seem very general, its has to be. I wasnt trying to disturb you lol, I was trying to describe something hat is difficult to explain but like its when you become more critical of how you see things operates, especially the politics of disability and how it connects, runs deaf organisations, or/and deaf organisation, Especially when you look at whos the boss in there and how much they earning and then the whine about lack of budget to really put deafs or disabled people's ideals into practice - they hold back because of 'economic constraints', it becomes hard to ignore to wonder if they (leaders, CEOs, the board members, co-ordinators and such) should be there, like what is their real purpose - just to be employed and slow us down for social progress? Often they talk about new services and new improved structures to contain the budget it is becoming harder to buy in their story.
its like they're bunch of hypocrites. even more worrying they handpick deafs/deafies/Deafs to be on staff and makes it that much harder to untangle the mess - its a hypocrites breeding ground.