Deafness: Is It a Disability?

Wade Engelsman
4/23/2009

I am profoundly deaf. A rock could hear better than I. However, I am much more useful than the rock. According to the society that I live in, being a deaf citizen is considered a handicapped person. How dare they label me as a useless person! Individuals with deafness should not be looked upon, viewed or labeled as disabled.

The United States Government defines disability as “a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of such person’s major life activities.” (Office of Disability Employment Policy, 2009). That definition is offensive to me. First of all, the deaf population can do anything that a ‘normal’ person can do except hear. I am aware that I am not able to hear; however, it does not stop me from dancing, talking, playing with other children, work, or drive. What major life activities are being limited by being deaf? Talking? Heck, I can speak well. Listening to the radio or music? Not for me, who cares? And Beethoven, one of the world’s most renowned music composer was deaf. Driving? Well, TXxxxxxxx is my driver’s license number. In fact, there is a government report claiming that deaf drivers are safer than non-deaf drivers. Wagner mentioned that there is an article called Deaf-Mutes Are Safest Motorists on Pennsylvania’s Highway Systems which is found in The Bulletin of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, September 1940, pp. 15-16. (qtd. in “Hearing Disorders”). We as deaf drivers tend to use our eyes and pay attention to our surroundings much more than the hearing drivers. Often we are able to notice objects that might cause accidents easier than the normal people.

In the educational area, there is no difference in the possible performance of a hearing impaired student and the hearing students. Erica Olson, a student at Como Park Elementary in St.Paul, Minnesota, won the school’s spelling bee and title of 2000-01 champion.“Kelly Telech, one of Erica’s teachers in the program, says the girl is ‘definitely equal in every academic and intellectual way’ to other students.” (Dea, 2001). That is one of many successful stories in public education. Granted that many of the deaf students are in special education but that does not mean that they have learning disabilities. It is not the learning disability that puts them in special education, instead they should be considered as ESL (English as Second Language) students. “The teaching methods of ESL have been successful when applied to deaf education, and there is a need for improved cooperation between teachers of the deaf and ESL teachers.” (Magrath, 1985). American Sign Language is now more widely accepted as a foreign language. Because ASL is the language that deaf children learn first, English is harder for them to learn. I understand that not being able to hear words would put me in disadvantage position in learning. However, I graduated from my high school in the top 10% (39th out of 615) with GPA of 3.94. All of my courses were regular classes with an interpreter. One may argue that because I cannot hear and use a sign language interpreter, it makes me a disabled person. My counter response to that person who thinks that way is: Are Hispanic-American citizens that use a Spanish speaking interpreter also disabled people? However, I have to concur with the argument that because of our label of being a disability, it made it much easier to get interpreters and equipments such as hearing aids, closed captioning for television and video phones for school, jobs, doctor’s office and court. That is probably the only good reason for the deaf community to be viewed as handicapped people.

Success in the work field is not limited to the so called normal people. Alright, I know that any deaf person cannot be a policeman, a disc jockey for a radio station, nor an air traffic controller. But is one of those jobs listed above according to the definition of “Disability” considered a “major activity” for anybody’s life? It’s pretty much that any deaf person can do almost any kind of work that a normal person can do. Often, managers that I worked for would say that their deaf employees would be more reliable, faster, and work harder than others. Alex Abadi, owner of Image Microsystems, credits his deaf employees with the rapid growth of his recycling division which has nearly doubled his sales. "Disabled workers are better than regular employees," says Abadi, "They are more committed and like their jobs better. Other companies just need to give them a chance." (Stewart, 2008). There are sports figures, an actress who won an Oscar, owners/CEO of companies that are deaf. Denver Broncos’ defensive end KennyWalker, Curtis Pride who played outfield for Detroit Tigers, and Dallas Cowboys’ cheerleader Christina Murphy found success in professional sports. Being deaf did not stop Miss USA 1995 Heather Whitestone or Marlee Matlin who won an Oscar in 1987 for best actress from performing at their best. Sid Ander, founder of Krown Manufacturing, Inc. is one of the many hearing impaired successful business owners. (Krown, 2009). The most amazing thing that I have discovered is that Cupola Pakistan Limited, winner of 2008 Stevies’ International Business Award (The International Business Awards, 2008), has three Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants that are being run by all deaf employees with exception of one hearing manager. (KFC) 

I believe that society does not understand what deafness is. Many people tend to be misinformed about many things about deafness. What they need to realize that deafness is not a disability but a disadvantage. Once society understands and accepts that, the life of deaf people would be greatly improved.

References

Dea, V. (2001, January 31). Take Note. Education Week, 20(20), 3. Retrieved April 13, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.: http://proxy.devry.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=url,cookie,ip,uid&db=aph&AN=4132119&site=ehost-live

KFC run by Hearing Impaired Employees. Retrieved March 29, 2009, from What’s New at KFC website: http://www.kfcpakistan.com/gulshan2.asp

Krown Manufacturing, Inc. (2009). About Company. Retrieved March 29, 2009, from Krown Manufacturing Inc website: http://www.krownmfg.com/us/

HEARING DISORDERS and COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS (1993). p. E-42. Retrieved March 29, 2009, from Federal Carrier Safety Administration website: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/hearing2.pdf

The International Business Awards. Retrieved March 29, 2009, from The International Business Awards website: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/hearing2.pdf

Magrath, D. (1985, December). ESL and Deaf Education: Mutual Needs. Foreign Language Annals, v18 n6, p497-499. Retrieved April 20, 2009, from Education Resource Information Center database: http://eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/Home.portal?_nfpb=true&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=E%20SL+and+Deaf+Education%3A+Mutual+Needs&searchtype=keyword&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=kw&_pageLabel=RecordDetails&objectId=0900019b80099700&accno=EJ328198&_nfl%20%09s=false

Office of Disability Employment Policy. (2009) Question: How does the federal government define “disability”? Retrieved March 29, 2009, from Office of Disability Employment Policy website: http://www.dol.gov/odep/faqs/federal.htm

Stewart, B. (2008, September 15). Deaf school dynamos. Retrieved April 20, 2009, from Small Business at CNNMoney website: http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/11/smallbusiness/deaf_school_dynamos.fsb/index.htm 

 ASL Video – Approx 5:16 Minutes Long

Grant discussed about newest cell phone called T-Mobile "G1" Phone based on Android technology.

Of course, every phone has its own pro and con including G1 phone. He feels that this phone is going get better and better over times. Gmail is awesome and easy to use.

One negative about it — vibration is not strongest at this time but he feels it can be fixed easily. He’ve contacted couple Android developer about it. We will see how it goes next few months hopefully.

If you have G1 phone, please share your thought with us!

Note #1: According to DVTV, Grant mentioned about $35 a month unlimited (data plan) — Again, T-Mobile doesn’t offer unlimited data plan without voice package for this device yet but if you are on family plan, you can add G1 phone for only $35 a month unlimited. Yes, it is unfortunately.

Note #2: Click HD if you want to see better quality of video.

Grant Laird Jr.
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com

Note: DeafNetwork.com operated by Grant Laird Jr and Crazy Technologies LLC

Hi Grant, I wanted to thank you for helping the rescues by posting the deaf and special needs animals in your website. I knew I could count on you when I got involved in the animal rescue network. You have also helped find homes for the special needs animals that were in Animal shelters or rescues needing homes. I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! We could not have done it without your help.

Thanks for being the special friend,
Julie Laird – Matthews

Grant, I applause for your website to help deaf doggies find homes!! It means alot to me due I am pulling my hair every time I receive any email that deaf pup or dog needs a home or is at kill shelter. See my deafies at www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA343.html. You see the green hearts are deaf or special needs who need homes. If you don’t mind to spread out about deaf pitbulls are very sweetest and playful.. They are great companionship to be with.. Can communicate with sign hand commands or read body language like we do.. If you have any questions, please email me at crazypaws@tmail.com or deafpaws@yahoo.com…

Cathy Miller Deaf Dog Rescuer Save A Life!!
Adopt A Deaf Dog or Cat!!!
www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA343.html
http://community.webshots.com/user/saye
http://www.deafdogs.org

Read the stories here: http://www.readlarrypowell.com/ .THE DOG GETS A BREAK: We’re starting with a good story.

Early in August, we got a note from Monica Ailey of Homeward Bound Animal Rescue about a deaf pit bull facing a ticking clock in the Bridgeport Animal Shelter.

Things looked pretty bad. A week passed and nothing happened — Monica stayed in touch with Carol Ward at the Bridgeport shelter and it turns out the staff there was pulling for Malcom, the dog.

Late last week, as the holiday and the hurricane approached, we got a note from Monica about Malcom’s new owner picking him up. "I believe she is also deaf and ha a hearing dog," Monica wrote.

She also wrote, "Not sure how Malcom’s info got to the Deafnetwork.com but however it happened, it was a miracle. I think it had to be from one of your readers maybe. … He had three angels in his corner working hard to keep him alive."

It is obvious from these photos that Malcom has already established a connection with Terry Lovelace, his new human. "They look like they have a close connection and understanding for each other," Monica writes. "I love it! This is why I do rescue. Some days I wonder why I put myself through this every day, but THIS is why!"

Monica included Terry’s e-mail regarding this dog. "I found out about Malcom through  903malcfacetowardcam08 (click to view picture – Deafnetwork, " she explains. "I said to myself, ‘I’ll be damned if they put him to sleep No one wants him because he’s deaf! I told Malcom, ‘I understand. I myself have been through the same thing (not being put to sleep!) but not wanted or thought good enough due to my deafness.

"He is a sweetheart. My daughter’s dog, Lucky, was giving to her by a homeless man who couldn’t care for her. So, now those two dogs are playmates.

"Malcom is my first deaf dog." 903odie08 (click to view picture) There you have it, folks, one more way that people can make a connection to an animal if they’ll just take time to think about opening up parts of their heart to an animal in need.

And, here’s a reminder: Malcom wasn’t the last dog or cat in the Bridgeport shelter. Click HERE to see them. That’s year-old Odie, an owner-surrender Chihuahua. He needs a friend, too.

“Gmail Experience”

It’s been over a year, since Grant start using exclusively with Google Gmail for everyday email.

Basically, he used Yahoo before, but he really want to use my own pop3 email and it’s extra charge to use both incoming and outgoing through their service. However, Gmail offers similar at no extra charge starting last year.

Oh yeah, Gmail has very good spam system. (Yes, you can trust him on that!)

Gmail has been pretty good to him so far. You even can download and install Gmail on your iphone or Blackberry. It’s big plus. Past few months, Gmail started to offer add-on (see under “Lab”) which is very nice. He have been using some of their neat add-ons.

You can check latest Gmail announcement at their blog.

What’s more, if you use Firefox browser – you probably already know you can install add-on such as Xoopit, Better Gmail 2 and few others to make surfing interesting and easier.

Lately, he have been telling clients, family members and friends why they should start using Gmail. It is one big center email system for your daily needs, and it has everything you need. From his own personal experience, you are better off using Gmail even with your pop3 email address.

Yahoo and Microsoft Live have similar features but nothing beats Gmail.

Oh yeah, Grant can see why some folks already jumped Gmail, way before he did. Now, it’s your turn — if you haven’t gives it a try, just do it.

Grant Laird Jr.
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com

Grant discussed his opinion about upcoming Election 2008 and as well as video from Deaf Viewpoints: 2008 U.S. Presidental Elections.

If you haven’t check it out now, click here. (It will go to DeafNation.com)

Share you thought with us – please leave text or video comment below.

Grant Laird Jr.
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com

ASL Video – Approx 3:38 Minutes Long

Last weekend, Grant and his girlfriend went to 5th Annual Silent Night Deaf Ministry Scholarship Benefit at Lover Lane United Methodist Church (LLUMC) in Dallas. This is his 2nd time to attend – last time, he went there and watched World First Deaf Solo Rode Sailboat around the World presentation.

It was enjoyment overall along silent auction, entertainment, presentation, and wonderful dinner & dessert including brief presentation from DISD Trustee Dr. Edwin Flores. Grant won one of the bidding, he received “A VIP Wine Tasting Event for 20” event worth $750 according to certification. He never been there before and looking forward to it!!

Kudo to Rev. Dr. Tom Hudspeth and his team for wonderful event again!

Also, she kept saying how important that parent stay activity in their deaf children during school times. It is clearly that our community has a long way to go. Katie’s dream is to establish an unbiased information network to all parents of deaf children. Yes, that would include sign language, cochlear implant, hearing aid, oral methods, etc. The Bottom line is to get best communication and education for deaf children.

It does of the highest importance that parent understand what it takes to raise deaf children otherwise the children will be lost forever.

If you live in Texas and want to get with Miss Deaf Texas Katie Murch for show and presentation, contact them!! Grant promised it is best investment you ever get for your local event, whether it is for deaf or hearing audiences.

More information about Miss Deaf Texas, go to http://deaftexas.org/wp/miss-deaf-texas/

To learn more about LLUMC Deaf Academy, go to http://www.deafacademy.com/ 

Check out pictures, go to Grant’s Flickr Album – click here

Grant Laird Jr.
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com

Several weeks ago, Grant sold his selling item through craigslist.org for 300 dollars cash. Next day, Grant and his girlfriend went Home Depot and purchased a new air condition unit for 399 dollars which means he would pay the difference. It’s no problem.

When they approached cashier, he skipped self-service checkout because he doesn’t want to deal with many 20s in cash into a machine. They are already in line for human cashier but this young man from self - checkout jumped and wanted them go there. (He watch four machines) He hesitated but agreed to go for it. He immediately scanned all items including an air condition unit with his wireless scanner gun. He gave all 20s in cash ($300) to self-service checkout man — he took it the money. Apparently he’s trying to force-rush the money (20s dollars) into self-service checkout machine and it got stuck big time.

He called his manager lady to look into it. Unfortunately, she had to open a self-service checkout machine to clean out stuck dollars out. She gave us 100 dollars in 20s back, but they told her one more 20s is missing. Manager said no because machine said we only put 100 dollars into a machine. What’s more, self-service checkout man told manager that Grant screwed it up? Grant’s girlfriend (wear hearing aid) overheard him and speak out. She told manager that this self-service checkout man screw it up and want last 20 buck back. To make it a short story, they got all money back and went back to a human cashier line.

If it wasn’t for his hard of hearing girlfriend, he may not hear what self-service checkout man told manager and may end up longer to fight back through paper and pen. Who knows?

Home Depot Store
Jupiter Road
Garland, Texas

Half-Life Screenshot with Subtitle (Picture – Courtesy of DeafGamers.com

In past recent years, he noticed that many games on box cover like Xbox 360 and others with picture on it (beautiful drawing, details, specification and others) but what annoying him the most — it has no screen shot picture on it!! The reason he likes to see the real screen shot picture on a retail box because he likes to play “first-person shooter” (similar to Doom2 or others) style not other game mode style. Not all retail boxes reveal it.

Last weekend, Grant and his friend went to GameStop store. He almost buys a game called Darkness, but he has hard time tell if it is first-person shooter style because it has no screen shot picture and doesn’t say anything. He can’t even check out demo at a store either. As results, he didn’t buy it.

Back of Half-Life Retail Box Coverage – Example: Lack of good screenshot picture with dashboard on it

He feels it is important to have few screen shot pictures on back of a retail game box before he decides to buy it. Let’s say we will look at GameStop.com website — it has some screen shot picture on it, but it doesn’t look like real tho. It would have shown the gun, hands, health status, weapons, all that works. (Sort of dashboard) This is example, it has screenshot pictures but no details on it. He didn’t look at all titles, but you fully understand the issue. Same thing goes to a magazine such as Game Informer. (hard copy version)

Hopefully, some of the game manufacturers saw this message, and maybe they will improve in future printing. Another solution is downloading demo through your Xbox Live account with Internet access and check out games before you purchase. (Note: not all games available in demo)

P.S. Oh yeah, it would be a bonus if they would put “subtitle available” on a retail box along other specifications — it would help deaf gamers very much. There’s another way around by go to http://www.deafgamers.com/ and see if this game has subtitle in it or not.

By the way, if you are first-person shooter fan, you should check it out – list of free games. (Both old and new)

Not too long ago, Grant discovered hidden premium fee on T-Mobile (Sidekick II) thru monthly statement online. Same thing goes with his Sprint Treo 755p, unfortunately.

Grant probably lost few hundred dollars because he’s not paying attention to statement carefully. He looked up Google and discovered that he’s not alone. Many people got scammed out of it, too. He may get some money back but who knows.

This is real example at http://myluvcrush.ca/ and others – you can look at it but do not put your cell phone number on it. It will automatically take small fee from your cell phone bills.

Once a while, please check your statement online (or mail out) from time to time. It shouldn’t be that hard to notice when there’s hidden fee in it. (price difference, etc.)

Does anybody have similar problem as ours?

Grant Laird Jr.
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com

ASL Video – 11 Minutes Long

Workshop at WordCamp 2008 – Dallas

Credit: John Pozadzides – http://onemansblog.com/

How to improve your own wordpress website with many tips:

• Add printer plugins – this way it will print perfect post this way rather than print whole crappy with themes in it on your printout.
• Updated profile/picture – yes picture of yourself!!
• Add links on footer; i.e. www.crazytech.com or one of your favorite link.
• Add MyBlogLog – you can sign up at www.mybloglog.com
• Add Top Commenters on sidebar – use your widget to put up there
• P-Metrics? Check it out!
• Add Amazon advertising with your own reseller account
• Use tags!!
• Check out Viddler – supposed to be better quality video
• Check out Woopra – www.woopra.com (beta version)
• Use hyperlink with several words instead of 1-2 words
• Email Subscription – RECOMMENDATION!! (subscribe2 plugins) — FeedBurner is also good optional
• Select partial RSS Feed instead of full
• Open comments all the times; do not require register
• Submit your post at www.Digg.com – its free
• Use FastStone program for optimize & resize pictures. its free!
• Use WP Super Cache plugins – better loading and speedy
• Add image on every post; at least one rather than boring text only; Try www.weburbanist.com
• No begging!!
• Donncha plugins – designed for no zone advertising for preferance visitors (interesting suggestion here)
• Stick with better and/or best tools such as webcam, avoid cheapass equipments
• Use unique name for each images — use fire_house_dallas.jpg instead of img0001.jpg
• Check out more cool info at OMB plugins list here

Feel free to make comments what you think of this tips to improve your Wordpress. Again, I haven’t try them all — it may be necessary for you to do little further research by yourself.

Updated 4/12/08: More details about WordCamp Dallas where I attended such as video and pictures – check it out!

Grant Laird Jr.
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com