Deaf Culture and Alexander Graham Bell

Alexander Graham Bell's influences of audism is still effective even today through his organization. I have been watching many of the wording of AG Bell's promotion of their organization. I can see they are not accepting deaf culture as fact of life. My main issues is Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's (AGBell's) negative attitude towards the Deaf culture in general.

Audism basically means those who discriminate or stereotyping against Deaf culture. Audism means a system of practice, behavior, belief, or attitude. Stereotypes, biases, and misconceptions leap into one’s mind. Stereotyping has created by showing incorrect judgment of a possibility by making people into stereotypes that leads to myths. Nowadays, it is hard to tell the difference but I believe that with today's technology and disability discrimination laws that are out there, there should not be any ignorance. My only conclusion is that people are doing audism rather than being ignorant.

Alexander Graham Bell had helped banning deaf people getting married. His reason was he thought deaf people are growing becoming a race with the language that is not graceful for him. He thought preventing deaf people getting married would prevent from deaf people growing. His opinion was deaf people need be fixed and speak only that would help them better life. deaf people suffered oppression by Alexander's ignorant and audism for 120 years.

Audism is a negative or oppressive attitude towards deaf people by either deaf or hearing people and organizations, and a failure to accept deaf culture, one example would be the refusal or failure to use sign language in the presence of a sign language-dependent person is considered audism. We must remember that the Deaf culture is based on the heritage and traditions of the Deaf community, not about deafness itself. We are to treat all deaf individuals equal opportunity to understand all aspects of the deaf community, culture and education. This is really about about non-culturally Deaf people learning to accept Deaf culture & language without judgments.

What we should do is have diplomacy to have all organizations who work with deaf individuals be united that we all get together in alliance to accept all aspects of deafness.

Hearing aids and health care

Just thinking and wondering what would happen if both of my hearing-aids died today and I can't afford to buy them anytime soon. I need those hearing-aids to communicate with my family, friends and co-workers. Its a necessity, not cosmetic or anything. Most insurances do not cover at all or only cover partial. I have other bills like everyone else including those who are "able" who don't have any disabilities to spent money on.

While I am against socialist concept of health care and prefer to have the flexibility to get the insurance we want through our employment or other means. There should be a way that the government can work with the employers to provide health insurance for ALL employees. Those who are unable to work should be able to get health care through the government.

Its one of those thoughts I have been thinking lately. The only hope—for the doctors, for their patients, for all of us—is for the doctors to assert a moral principle. Individual freedom and personal choice, rooted in American values, provide principled health care, moral health care, and the best health care. That is why United States have the best in the world. The only problem is that "lack of funds" by those who needs medical attention.

Today, we need to define, understand and establish health and medical ethical boundaries. Both morality and politics must be discussed before the relation between political rights and health care can be appreciated. If the government controls everything, do we think it will be more responsive to the needs of individual patients? We should look at the public education as an example.

However, as you can see, public education have not been doing so good lately in the United States. Other countries are gaining ahead of us in educating our kids.

Now, I have Multiple Sclerosis to deal with and my financial picture is not very pretty.

Woman nabbed after scuffle with boy in wheelchair over soccer ball

Authorities said a 23-year-old woman was arrested after a scuffle with a 13-year-old boy in a wheelchair Police said the woman's first swing missed, but her second struck the boy's halo, causing him pain.

Bias relating to deafness....................

In the past, I have regretted helping certain organizations and when they asked that I help again the following year, I decided not to. My experiences with some have not been really pleasant nor I felt good after volunteer work. If I don't feel good afterward, I don't believe I should come back.

Right now, I am planning to volunteer some work for certain other non-profit organizations (I have not been involved in the past) later this fall and winter. I am having a meeting with one organization next month. I just want make sure that I give my time to an organization or organizations are worthwhile.

In the past, I have posted about my issue with bias. Bias is a term used to describe a tendency or preference towards a particular perspective and ideology. A bias could lead one to accept or deny the truth that is often very "one-sided" while ignoring the other.

When looking at organizations, I have deep thoughts about joining an unbais advocacy organization, especially if such good organizations are too focus on their own agenda. One example is organization for people with hearing loss (deafness), there are many organizations that are very biased to certain group of people with hearing loss. Very few are qualified as "unbiased" and I can list a few in my mind.

Ever since I started blogging, I have learned more about organizations and their agendas. Who knew this much before blogging? We had limited resources in the past. Now, with the age of internet technology, we can learn more about each organization and their activities through other people. The more I read about organizations and their backgrounds, the more I am seeing the powerful and influential organization with hidden agendas that are not easily recognized.

I would like to see an organization that support families without "broadcasting" their own personal belief system or predisposing their outcome through our own biases. I have been looking into my own motives in joining organizations and that I need to have a better understanding before joining. I need an organization that is very sound, clear, accurate, and unbiased information for everyone. Public diplomacy is the very definition of advocacy that is creating awareness of an organization's agendas.

An organization must meet the highest standards of credibility for the purpose of advocacy. The information being shared about a specific topic must be fair, unbiased, accurate, complete and honest.

Quotes:
Bias and prejudice are attitudes to be kept in hand, not attitudes to be avoided. Charles Curtis

The theory of cultural bias... is the idea that a culture is based on a particular form of organization. It can't be transplanted except to another variant of that organization. Mary Douglas

"We must have strong minds, ready to accept facts as they are." - Harry S Truman (1884-1972)

"You laugh at me because I am different, but I laugh at you because you are all the same." - Unknown

"Men have become the tools of their tools."- Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

"If Stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out?" - Will Rogers (1879-1935)

Credit Unions

I have been a satisfied member of a credit union I belonged to for years until recently. I read somewhere that nearly 70% of credit union customers feel that their credit union has their best interests in mind. Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that work to pass on earnings to account holders in the form of better rates on savings accounts and loan products. The remaining 30% do not feel the same way. I wonder why?

I can see why a member may be treated differently due to various circumstances.

Most Credit Unions' guiding principles have remained the same:

(1) Only people who are credit union members should borrow there;

(2) Loans are made for "prudent and productive" purposes;

(3) A person's desire to repay (character) is considered more important than the ability (income) to repay.

Members are, after all, borrowing their own money. These principles still govern most of the world's credit unions. Credit unions (most of the time) continue to look out for their members’ interests and provide a level of service that is not generally available at other financial institutions. Whether it’s providing a loan to help a member cover unexpected medical bills, giving financial counseling to a member whose company closed its doors, or simply offering a better deal on a used car loan, credit unions make a difference for their members and the communities they serve.

Credit unions do provide many services that banks offer. But the core values are so different—regardless of the credit union’s size or offerings. As a credit union member, you’re not just a customer; you’re an owner, with a vote in determining the direction of the credit union. And because credit unions are not-for-profit, all earnings go back to the members in the form of great rates and low fees. It’s about putting people before money. Banks, on the other hand, exist to make a profit for shareholders. While that is fine, it means they’re not motivated by the same values as credit unions. Regardless, both Banks and Credit Unions rely on the faith and confidence of their customers/members in order to stay in business.

My personal opinion is that Credit Unions are still better than banks and other financial institutions. In my personal case, I will continue to evaluate my relationship with my Credit Union.

Dealing with Depression and life

I am dealing with my own depression which often cause several environmental, emotional and financial situation but let's not forget Multiple Sclerosis(MS)also be a factor. I have been taking nutrition along with my medications to help control my depression that is usually caused by MS medication and other medications I am taking.

Other causes of depression are complex and involve a combination of biologic, genetic, and environmental factors. Anyway, whatever the cause, I am dealing with it.

Another issue is not helping me which is sexual. MS symptoms such as fatigue, pain and numbness can also create sexual problems for men living with MS. I can see my wife is trying to figure out “what we did wrong” or “what I could do better” when she is analyzing our problem. I have read that I am not alone since I have heard that men with MS are probably already experiencing some degree of anger, embarrassment, fatigue and grief over the changes in their bodies, so there may be some rough spots starting a conversation about sexual dysfunction. That's not easy.

Its a struggle but I am hanging in there.

Girl, 10, Fined $50 For Lemonade Stand At NY Park

A spokesperson for the Parks Department says the agents showed poor judgment and that the ticket will be dismissed.

Hot weather and Multiple Sclerosis

Weather is considered a possible influence on a wide variety of health conditions by weather factors may make existing pain worse. Some people with MS report that their symptoms get worse in hot weather or when they become overheated. Heat intolerance in MS shows up as a "pseudoexacerbation" -- the experience of having symptoms appear or worsen due to heat exposure. This is different than a true relapse. A True relapse is an exacerbation (also known as an attack, a relapse, or a flare) is a sudden worsening of an MS symptom or symptoms, or the appearance of new symptoms, which lasts at least 24 hours and is separated from a previous exacerbation by at least one month. The most common disease course in MS, called relapsing-remitting MS, is characterized by clearly defined acute exacerbations, followed by complete or partial recovery with no progression of the disease between attacks.

In the case of a pseudoexacerbation, when the body’s temperature returns to normal, these symptoms disappear. No damage, such as inflammation, demyelination or new lesions, has been done during these pseudoexacerbations. It's important to remember that summer's heat could trigger a brief pseudo-relapse. While the symptoms are real enough, they are temporary and subside when the triggering event, such as heat, has passed." Once the triggering event is past—e.g., the body temperature returns to normal, the symptoms subside as well. Some people with MS report a worsening of their symptoms during or after periods of intense stress.

Teacher furloughs, other academic, athletic cutbacks will cost students at the schools for deaf, blind

Edward E. Corbett Jr., the superintendent at the deaf school, said he thinks students realize that, in a bad economy, changes must be made. Read the article....State schools for the deaf and blind -- especially centralized, residential institutions like Ohio's -- are increasingly rare. But both schools here are more than 150 years old and have ardent supporters.

Many institutions like these will be hurt because they are invisible and not fully recognized by many.

Last year, I completed a survey for Deaf411

I was curious about the result for a long time until I ran into this report which came out recently. Columbus, Ohio is on the list as well as my home state, Boston, MA.

This “Deaf Friendly Cities” report includes a narrative of a selected city from each of four U.S. regions, lists several community resources, and photos representing a variety of situations that are considered “deaf friendly” to deaf consumers or travelers.

"While research for this report should not be considered scientific," a Deaf411 representative explains, "this sampling of consumers with significant hearing loss who depend primarily on sign language provides solid criteria for evaluating cities for accessibility from a deaf friendly perspective."

Actual Report (free registration may be required)

Deaf411 surveyed deaf Americans by asking if they considered the current city they live in is “Deaf-Friendly.” The survey also included questions about accessible recreational activities, community events, resources in these cities for deaf people, etc.

Favorite child of a man who fired a son whose only transgression was developing multiple sclerosis.

Article from the Wall Street Journal in April 24, 1997.

Wall Street Journal

For years, the heir apparent was Joe Jr. He joined the company straight out of college in 1967 and worked his way up to chief operating officer. But because of his advancing multiple sclerosis, first diagnosed in 1983, he tired easily. He arrived at work late and left early. His father wasn't pleased; he wanted a strong successor. "He just came in my office one day and said it was time to go," says the son, who was out that same afternoon, in 1988.

A Study 10 Years Ago...,DEAF ENTREPRENEURS

Is there a latest study out there?

A NATIONAL STUDY OF DEAF ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS : IMPLICATIONS FOR CAREER COUNSELING

My deafness was undiagnosed until I was 4 years old

I missed out my communication skills and hearing bedtime stories until I was finally diagnosed I am hearing-impaired. From birth up to until I was about 4 years old, my family didn't know I was deaf until I had a hearing test in a famous hospital in Boston. I could hear loud noises but I could not communicate or even talk normally. As soon as they found out that I have a major hearing loss, my grandparents got me a new hearing-aid and I actually remembered the first day I actually HEARD anything including my mother's voice and of course a TRUCK outside the hearing-aid store. My first hearing-aid was a Zenith.

Then before attending deaf school, I was in speech therapy and then soon, I was able to talk basic words but not really having a conversation. Soon, I started attending the Boston School for the Deaf for 7 years which was an oralist deaf school (now closed). I was not to learn or use sign language until I was about 19 years old. I really wished I learned better english grammar, even through sign language because I wanted to communicate effectively. Today, even though I can hear and can communicate effectively. My grammar will always be off and words I say will always be off the mark.

In "person", I am mildly reserved and low-key person because I am usually afraid of saying something wrong grammar or speech. I am not big on small talk. I usually prefer in-dept discussion about important issues rather than small talk. Along with my deafness, I had to struggle with the conditions that affect the development of my communication skills within personality and intelligence. Today's experts say that "Age of onset plays a crucial role in the development of language". It took me YEARS to overcome my lack of understanding in english grammar as well as sign language.

I missed out alot when I was diagnosed.

Today is Friendship Day....especially those who are deaf or have MS

C.S. Lewis said of friendship: “It is when we are doing things together that friendship springs up – painting, sailing ships, praying, philosophizing, and fighting shoulder to shoulder. Friends look in the same direction.”

Practicing charity (love) is a toughie depending on someone's view because we might argue over things that we love which can cause damages to the friendship. If its hard to forgive, then it is hard to love another because love unconditionally forgives. Love hopes all things (1 Corinth 13). Love refuses to take human failure as final. Love never keeps a record of wrongs. Love forgives and love is unable to think about them anymore. Forget the past and move on.

After being diagnosed with MS, coping with disabilities including MS and hearing-impairment, I have lost my own self-confidence. I even remembered their comments about my own confidence why they no longer want to be my friends, those comments affected my thinking in the past 7 years. I was struggling with my newly diagnosed MS while dealing with major problems at work. I am very thankful for my co-workers. Most of them, I worked with for 20 years or longer. They are family to me and they were there for me. Many of them have retired and will be retiring. One of my close friends have just retired on Friday (July 31st). She will always be one of my close friends even though I won't see her as much. I won't be seeing her at work as I used to.

Earlier, during the time I was diagnosed with MS, I have lost some friends especially to those who I admire and respect. I have not seen many of them for years now. The best way to determine if a person is real friend is when you are alone. Looking back, I have learned that a real friend is someone who will help you through tough time and stand beside you through anything even if they dislike the choices you make but they will say they are happy for you and they are the one who will stick up for you will you need them.

"Friendship doubles your joys, and divides your sorrows." ~ author unknown

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Friendship is neither a formality nor a mode: it is rather a life." ~ David Grayson

Remember, you know who your friends and close relatives are by noticing that they are with you for life regardless what happens.

New Blog: Ohio Bookkeeper's Deep Thoughts

I will still have this blog and my Christian thoughts blog. I am adding another blog that is related to my new business: Ohio Bookkeeper Deep's Thoughts