Originally Posted by vallee

To me there is a big differences between handicapped and a disability. I don't see myself as handicapped.

I have a step-sister who gets SSI and she has seizures from years of drug uses. She also moved from New Jeresy to Tennessee because of Tennessee's insurance (TennCare). That is someone who abuses the system.

I helped a family this last year get SSI for their son who is mentally retarded. They need the assistances so they can provide a good home for him. This family did not know that they had an option.

on the other hand

I also had a family years ago that had 9 children. The mom was teaching her children to act "dumb" so they can get tested for Special education and get SSI. She would come daily to ask if I would get her test so she could get her money. None of them are deaf or HOH. That is an abuse of the system.

In any program, people abuse the system. Also in any program, people who need it, get it and make the best of it. We can't make generalizations that all deaf/HOH people do this.