I now help the deaf community whenever possible, why? I am still deaf no matter what I do. I accept that gladly, because without this knowledge I wouldn't be complete. I understand what this woman is going through, but please have patience"
—K.S.
"I began working with deaf children a few years ago. I was told I would pick up sign. Not a lot more information was given to me. I did learn to sign, I'm certified as an interpreter now. I'm grateful to my co-workers, some of whom became dear friends. They truly struggled with me. (walking in the door I only knew the alphabet!) I have never taken a sign class and I learned all my skills through interacting with Deaf people.
I don't feel genuine acceptance. I don't think its possible for many Deaf to view me as equal. (people who's Deaf/Deaf intermarriage rate is at 90% have to be somewhat separtist)
Even as I gain credibility as an interpreter, people seem to be even more critical. I don't mind so much, cuz I do love the language, I take each mistake as a challenge to master both ASL and signed English forms. Learning both is something most Deaf don't bother to do."
—C
"I am no expert but if you take the time to study and understand the struggle the Deaf Community has had to endure, it will help you to be patient with the Deaf. It is surprising that we are in the 21st century and ignorance is still rampant concerning deafness. I knew a Deaf Man studying to be a Dr., one that works for the fire Dept. etc. There are mane brilliant and talented Deaf, they are not held back due to being deaf but because of ignorance. Let me give you a micro look at a few examples.
Cesare Lombroso (1835-1909), known as the "father of Criminology" theorized among other things that criminogenic traits could be acquired by a degenerate family, among those degenerate traits guess what one was? Deafness!!! Samuel Morse is best known for the " Morse Code" but how many know his real reason for developing it?? It was so he could communicate with his Deaf wife. Gallaudet University had hearing presidents until the " Deaf President Now" protest, after that they had their first Deaf President. In the late 1990's while in California I heard about the discovery of 17 deaf Mexicans in one small room; they were put on street corners to sell trinkets then herded back to their room, these are human beings NOT animals! Since the dawning of the21st century I read about a Hearing professional couple who had a Deaf child, they insisted that their child learn to be hearing, if a Deaf person tried to help these hearing parents called them " Deaf Militants", is it no wonder ! the Deaf community is wary of hearies??
I was told by a church that IF I had more faith I would not be needed to interpret ( I did it for free) and that it was I who was selfish. Needless to say I left that church. I have had many experiences, too many to mention here, hopefully one day I can write them down to educate and make the hearing community think. The more I study and experience the more I want to be an advocate than an interpreter, hopefully I can do both.
Please, please have patience with the Deaf community. Learn their culture, their language and the struggles they continue to endure. Teach them to your precious child, rejoice in her accomplishments the only difference is she can't hear. In your hands is a piece of the future, let her be proud of her culture and who knows what great things she can accomplish or what she will be when she grows up. Do whatever it takes to break through the barriers, you nor your child will never regret it.
Above all remember that if the Deaf is held back from greatness it is because of the hearing communities ignorance, and lack of understanding and acceptance that keeps them from taking advantage of the opportunities afforded to the rest of us."
—D.H.
Are you a hearing parent, new signer (hearing or deaf), late deafened, or oral deaf person who has had difficulty being accepted by the Deaf community? Share your story by sending an e-mail to deafness.guide@about.com. Future comments on this topic will be posted to the forum thread.
