Friday, March 28, 2008

Deaf Community, Disabilities Communities and .....

diversity. Today, deaf community is more socially diverse and more accepting of other deaf people who may be different. I want the deaf culture to be around longer but it is vanishing quickly by some extremists. Currently, there is strife going on within the deaf community regarding cochlear implants. Like many deaf people, I view those who had cochlear implants are STILL very much part of the deaf community. Some extremists say that they are no longer part of the Deaf culture.

Where does that put me?

I am not totally deaf. I don't have cochlear implant. I have hearing-aids and to many deaf, they view me as "hearing" because I can communicate like hearing people. There are those who say that I am not part of the Deaf culture. Wait, I know ASL and I am not really part of ASL just because I not totally deaf?

I have Multiple Sclerosis and I belong to various groups that are part of "Multiple Sclerosis" community.

Regardless if I am deaf or not. Or I have Multiple Sclerosis. There ought to be a better understanding of the diverse needs and challenges of various disabilities. There is no "one size fits all" disabilities.

Just rambling some thoughts today. :)

10 comments:

Gallaudet Protest Legal Issues said...

Who said that?

It seems like you are just passing on rumors and speculation. Most all Deaf community members welcome Deaf people with CI's, just like anyone else.

The issue is the CI technology itself, not the people.

Unknown said...

Depends on who on the receiving end of the conversation when one deaf don't often face. In terms of supporting CI technology even though I don't agree with it, I am not oppose to anyone obtain CI. I am oppose to those who dislike CI technology and speaks out agressively.

David said...

I'm trying to understand why you don't agree with CI technology

David

Unknown said...

The only issue I have with CI technology is that parents don't give deaf kids options going through the process.

I accept anyone who CHOSE to have CI and that's GREAT.

It is the proces that I disagree in which AGBell has lead many parents of deaf children to have CI without considering over-all issues regarding deafness. This is where I am battling with AGBell's agenda relating to CI technology. This is a major cause of strife between many deaf people among ABBell so called "professionals" who think they know it all.

Unknown said...

The only issue I have with CI technology is that parents don't give deaf kids options going through the process.

I accept anyone who CHOSE to have CI and that's GREAT.

It is the proces that I disagree in which AGBell has lead many parents of deaf children to have CI without considering over-all issues regarding deafness. This is where I am battling with AGBell's agenda relating to CI technology. This is a major cause of strife between many deaf people among ABBell so called "professionals" who think they know it all.

David said...

well said and good thought behind it. Thanks

Unknown said...

Thanks, I need to clarify more when I do my blog. LOL

Unknown said...

Thanks, I need to clarify more when I do my blog. LOL

Diane J Standiford said...

You are certainly not alone in your feelings about this, Jim. Yes, people with disabilities can discriminate with the best---too bad because we have so much in common and so much to share.

Casdok said...

I have the same rambling thoughts.