| I once belonged to a
webring for the deaf. We had quite a few
members, but somewhere along the way we
lost touch with the purpose of the web
ring. We became more interested in
making graphics and other things that
the support and issues of hearing
impairment got pushed onto the side
lines. This cause is not for myself, as
I do not feel I let my loss of hearing
hinder or hamper me. I care though about
the young people who are going through
the dilemma of losing their hearing or
the families who are dealing with a
child or grandchild that has a hearing
impairment.
I have been asked if I felt it was
worse to be deaf or blind. That question
sounds ridiculous to me. A person's
"sight" is the most important
thing about our total being. The blind
that cope are the real survivors, the
hero's. I lost my sight for
several years and it was the most tragic
event, physically, that I have ever
endured.
Here I sit at my computer, typing
this article. I can see what I am
typing. I chat with my net friends who
have no idea I am deaf. I watch
television using the captions to read
along. I love books and I am a speed
reader. I lay in bed and read for
relaxation before falling asleep. I can
do anything anyone else can do. If they
have to write a note so be it.. As long
as I can see to read that note. It even
bothers me if the lights go out and I am
in total darkness.
I do know the issue's that deaf or
hearing impaired people have to deal
with. We all deal with the same tribulations.
Each person could tell their story and
they would all sound alike. Each one can
tell you that when people find out they
are deaf, they also act as if we are
blind. and retarded !!! LOL . We don't
have the problem, it is the ones who do
not understand deafness that has the
problems.
Many people wonder how I speak so distinctly
and pronounce my words so accurately. I
remind them that I had learned to talk
when I had hearing. I was fifteen years
old when I lost my hearing due to an
injury. It is difficult for a child who
is learning to talk as they will
pronounce words as they hear them. Or if
they are totally deaf they can not speak
words they can not hear.
I unconsciously picked up lip
reading and became very adept at it. I
have though, made many blunders and
answered inappropriately. I can
always tell when I have goofed as the
person gets such a confused look. Our
off the wall answers may be why some
people think we are retarded. *s* I love
the web as this never happens as I am
reading their questions and there is no
chance for not mistaking what I read. (
unless they have phrased the question
wrong themselves. )
It doesn't matter if you are deaf,
or have a hearing impairment, we all
have some skill or creative ability to
share with others. I find it easier to
communicate on the web than in any
social situation. A hearing impaired
person must concentrate harder than a
hearing individual. Conversation in a
crowded environment is like work. It
will leave you nervous and
exhausted. I can not keep up with
the conversation in a crowded room. I do
very well one on one or not more than
two other individuals. As long as only
one person talks at a time as I must
look at the person speaking . Some
people I can not communicate with and
others I can read superb. I think
body language has a lot to do with it
also. Some people form their words exceptionally
well, and some seem to talk without
moving their lips.
I think my closest friendships
were formed by the ease with which I
could communicate with that individual.
I never learned how to use sign language
as I did not know anyone else who knew
it. I did learn a few
songs.
If you have a hearing impairment
or have a loved one who does and you
need to speak about it I am here to
listen ( pun intended) and help you in
any way I can. Just email me with your
concerns. If we have enough who would
like to get together for support I will
build our own chat room or even
start a webring for us to get together.
If you or a loved one live in a silent
world. contact me.
Hugs from,
Lanes heart
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