Do deaf folks consider themselves disabled? - Page 2

DeafCaroline · 07-07-2011, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traciedantoni

No I never did. We were not on good terms and didn't speak for over 10 years until 2 years ago when I got a phone call that he was dying of renal failure. He lived in Florida and I live in Maryland so I flew down there to make peace with him before he died and it was nice to do that. i didn't want to bring that subject up. My mom had to fight for child support because he didn't pay and it wound up getting taken out of his ssdi checks. I honestly think he just wanted to do what he wanted and didn't want to work. Sad but true.

I dont know. It's too bad you two never spoke about this, it may have helped you understand him much better.

your mom was lucky to get child support. i didn't get any at all.

Beach girl · 07-07-2011, 04:54 PM

When you have a social welfare system, there will always be those who take advantage of it in one way or another. Doesn't matter; it's still a social good to have that safety blanket there for those who need it.

I think there's a difference between calling deafness a "disability" from a public policy standpoint (which Grendel touched on, too), vs. deaf individuals' perception of themselves and their own abilities. In fact, it is often because of the technological and legal support we get on a large scale (through ADA, etc.), that as individuals, we HoH and deaf folks can live our lives pretty normally, for the most part.

So a deaf person can rightfully say "I can do this job and I make the following adaptions to my hearing loss"...and then whatever it may be - amplified phones, sign language, text messages and e-mail, FM system for group meetings, whatever. Some employers need to be educated. Heck, a lot of deaf/Hoh people don't even know about all the stuff there is out there to make our lives easier.

ladysolitary85 · 07-07-2011, 05:05 PM

Ok my view is this.... I have complete hearing loss on my right side, I've got 60% (prolly more now since my hearing has decreased since March) loss on my left side. I have never collected SSI but that was only because in the state of Cali, I'd have to be about 90% hearing loss to qualify. Does this mean I'm disabled?

I CAN do anything but hear.

Yes, every job I have encountered I've had conflicts with my hearing. I make the best of what I have. There is something for everyone out there surely, and I'm not just talking about factory work either.

So I wouldn't exactly say I'm disabled, but rather unable to hear without assistance of a hearing aid, even then sometimes not.

rockin'robin · 07-07-2011, 05:12 PM

Aren't there any training schools such as Job Core, even vocational classes in HS that deafies can take, in order to be more qualified in finding a job?

I remmy taking Print Shop, (and I was the only girl taking that), learning teletype, among all the guys who wanted to pursue a job in Printing when they graduated.....

Even prisoners are allowed to take courses such as Heating & Air, Small Engine Repair, etc.

When I graduated, the Vocational Rehabiltation was "supposed" to help me find a job....but they did "squat"!...Months and months I waited. So I took things into my own hands, and pounded the pavement, and I worked at a good many variety of jobs, Even 3 jobs at one time, with only an hour or 2 of sleep.

It's true, that today's economy is different that it was before. But I feel with good job training, even schooling, would benefit us all. And not accepting the word "NO"...keep going back, over and over, show your qualifications.

traciedantoni · 07-07-2011, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlleyCat

Was your dad deaf, just curious? (Your mom is, right?)

yeah he was. both my parents went to frederick school for the deaf in maryland.

AlleyCat · 07-07-2011, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traciedantoni

yeah he was. both my parents went to frederick school for the deaf in maryland.

Thank you for replying. I am sorry for your loss.

warpedpink · 07-07-2011, 08:37 PM

I don't consider myself disabled and I don't collect SSI.

Many Deaf people have a hard time finding jobs. Hearing employers are often afraid to hire them.. The cost of interpreters, how to communicate, and much more scare the daylights out of them. So how do they survive? SSI checks, of course.

And I'd also like to point out that it isn't just the Deaf taking free money. Millions of people are taking advantage of unemployment wages... and well, the list goes on. The line of thinking is: you'd have to be stupid to turn down free money.

**shel90** · 07-07-2011, 10:15 PM

My philosophy is this "We are not disabled but society makes us disabled."

**deafskeptic** · 07-07-2011, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockin'robin

Aren't there any training schools such as Job Core, even vocational classes in HS that deafies can take, in order to be more qualified in finding a job?

I remmy taking Print Shop, (and I was the only girl taking that), learning teletype, among all the guys who wanted to pursue a job in Printing when they graduated.....

Even prisoners are allowed to take courses such as Heating & Air, Small Engine Repair, etc.

When I graduated, the Vocational Rehabiltation was "supposed" to help me find a job....but they did "squat"!...Months and months I waited. So I took things into my own hands, and pounded the pavement, and I worked at a good many variety of jobs, Even 3 jobs at one time, with only an hour or 2 of sleep.

It's true, that today's economy is different that it was before. But I feel with good job training, even schooling, would benefit us all. And not accepting the word "NO"...keep going back, over and over, show your qualifications.

Being qualified for a job isn't the problem here.

The problem is that many employers won't hire deaf even if they're qualifted for the job. I remember one bitter guy who trained as programmer and did all the right things like internship and stuf but no one would hire him as programmer. He did find a job as mail clerk but he didn't want to be one.

Your experience with VR reminded me of my problems with DRS. I had similar experiences with them.

***Calvin*** · 07-08-2011, 04:06 AM

Mod note:

Several posts have been removed. Let's take it easy and post civilly okay?

Thanks.

inmate23 · 07-08-2011, 05:02 AM

Ok I access the diffidently(wheelchair,LARGE PRINT, Braille,cane,speechreading,sign,) sociality considers me disabled(what NO!! i can do everything in my life that I choose)

I am studying at moment so I don't have a job so i'm on a benefit.Till I can get a job.Now because I don't veiw myself as disabled I tried to get benefit change from invailds to the unemployment the site manager refused because "its not in your interests"

Never mind the fact I need repetitious sole person type work to pay the bills as the rents are so high around here

jedimunky · 07-08-2011, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traciedantoni

I respect that response very much.

The reason I brought it up was because of another thread where it was polling people on how much their ssi/ssdi checks are and some of what I read indicated that some deaf people are in fact capable of working but choose not to. I don't think that's fair. And those are the same people who talk crap about how they are treated by society and hearing people. I think it makes deaf people look bad when certain people take advantage of the ssdi system but complain about how they are the same as everybody else.

I don't think deafness is a disability either and I agree it is more of an inconvenience or annoyance when trying to live life with as much ease as possible. CC is definitely a big topic and I support making sure it is accessible in all areas, tv/movies, public transportation, etc. Deaf people need to be able to know what's going on at all times just like everybody else and also enjoy things like movies and entertainment just like everybody else.

I was just recently approved for Disability. I am one of those people that consider Deafness, HoH to be a disability. But then again, my HoH is coupled with RP, aka Retinitis Pigmentosa. RP has had a profound affect on my vision (nightblindness, severe loss of peripheral vision), especially coupled with my hearing loss. The two together is called Usher's Syndrome. I am disabled as I struggle to hear and see. I do not find your question offensive. But I just wanted you to know my situation, as unique as it is, as it is rare.

Babyblue · 07-08-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shel90

My philosophy is this "We are not disabled but society makes us disabled."

I respectfully disagree....

Society can make you disable only if you allow them to.

Society may view you as a disabled person but that does not make you disable. That just makes me want to prove to them that I can do anything that they can do except hear.

whatdidyousay! · 07-08-2011, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by posts from hell

Exactly, so would you hire a person who identifies theirselves as disabled or not? Would you prefer them to use the disabled term? It's a very strong term in the English language.

Who is more oppressed, and in what way?

I have wrote up a thread on this.

I was told years ago the businesses like to hire handicap people as they get a tax break! Has any else heard this too?

**shel90** · 07-08-2011, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babyblue

I respectfully disagree....

Society can make you disable only if you allow them to.

Society may view you as a disabled person but that does not make you disable. That just makes me want to prove to them that I can do anything that they can do except hear.

Ok so how come many deaf people can't serve in the front lines for the armed services, be a commercial airliner and etc? Because society says we can't.

posts from hell · 07-08-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatdidyousay!

I was told years ago the businesses like to hire handicap people as they get a tax break! Has any else heard this too?

If that was true, the blind community wouldnt have 90% unemployment, the deaf also wouldnt have 70% unemployment...

rockin'robin · 07-08-2011, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatdidyousay!

I was told years ago the businesses like to hire handicap people as they get a tax break! Has any else heard this too?

Oh yes, I have....back in the 80's-90's....so I dunno about today....

InfamousMacBook · 07-08-2011, 11:29 PM

We get SSDI checks because the rest of the world is disabled to us. They refuse or make it hard to hire us, we don't get everything captioned, and sometimes getting a interpreter is a damn hassle to us because the person/company/organization does not think it is necessary because many Deaf/HoH read lips. So yes, we may as well collect if being paid off is the only way to go about our lives.

Personally, I do not collect SSDI. I do not discriminate to those that do. Being HoH/Deaf is a hassle to the rest of the world and until they are willing to meet every need we have then damn straight we should get money.

TheOracle · 07-09-2011, 03:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shel90

Ok so how come many deaf people can't serve in the front lines for the armed services, be a commercial airliner and etc? Because society says we can't.

Ah, well, I can't serve in the USAF because I'm 1) hoh and 2) a single parent. I mean, there are people who can't do those things and they're not 'disabled'. They're just not qualified.

In regards to being a commercial pilot, that's true, but deaf can still be pilots, nu?

TheOracle · 07-09-2011, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfamousMacBook

We get SSDI checks because the rest of the world is disabled to us. They refuse or make it hard to hire us, we don't get everything captioned, and sometimes getting a interpreter is a damn hassle to us because the person/company/organization does not think it is necessary because many Deaf/HoH read lips. So yes, we may as well collect if being paid off is the only way to go about our lives.

Personally, I do not collect SSDI. I do not discriminate to those that do. Being HoH/Deaf is a hassle to the rest of the world and until they are willing to meet every need we have then damn straight we should get money.

All of the things you request from hearing makes the point that being deaf is a disability because this is a hearing world.

If this were a flying world and you didn't have wings, that would also be an issue.

I personally would like to see deaf get access to everything hearing people do and then remove deafness as an automatic qualifier for social security. So long as society sees deaf as freeloaders or disabled, they will be treated as such.

TheOracle · 07-09-2011, 03:04 AM

oh, and add:

Having a disability is not the same as acting disabled. Deaf shouldn't be thought of as 'disabled'.

Grummer · 07-09-2011, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheOracle

oh, and add:

Having a disability is not the same as acting disabled. Deaf shouldn't be thought of as 'disabled'.

i DISAGREE there strongly, Deaf are disabled by society, its not negotiable, it DOES happens ALL the time.

TheOracle · 07-09-2011, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grummer

i DISAGREE there strongly, Deaf are disabled by society, its not negotiable, it DOES happens ALL the time.

What part do you disagree with?

I don't think a hearing person should look at a deaf person and first think, "Oh, they are disabled...I wonder what else they can't do..." or whatever. Just think, "Oh hey, different language needs. Whatever."

Grummer · 07-09-2011, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfamousMacBook

We get SSDI checks because the rest of the world is disabled to us. They refuse or make it hard to hire us, we don't get everything captioned, and sometimes getting a interpreter is a damn hassle to us because the person/company/organization does not think it is necessary because many Deaf/HoH read lips. So yes, we may as well collect if being paid off is the only way to go about our lives.

Personally, I do not collect SSDI. I do not discriminate to those that do. Being HoH/Deaf is a hassle to the rest of the world and until they are willing to meet every need we have then damn straight we should get money.

Grummer · 07-09-2011, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheOracle

What part do you disagree with?

I don't think a hearing person should look at a deaf person and first think, "Oh, they are disabled...I wonder what else they can't do..." or whatever. Just think, "Oh hey, different language needs. Whatever."

whatever what? whatever we can do to accomodate their communciation needs? or just wait till more important things then they'd have an interpreter

is that what you mean

Grummer · 07-09-2011, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockin'robin

Oh yes, I have....back in the 80's-90's....so I dunno about today....

no, its happening NOW, right now, nothings have changed much, except maybe a few more millionaire deafs but by large that doesnt hide the thousands. millions deafs are actually worse off..media are very clever at reframing this , just to delude the public into thinking theres progress (sic)

Frisky Feline · 07-09-2011, 05:34 AM

It's pretty same over years to me. Don't forget that some of us do pay out of our pockets to get new HAs or CIs. That is so awesome, not.

TheOracle · 07-09-2011, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grummer

whatever what? whatever we can do to accomodate their communciation needs? or just wait till more important things then they'd have an interpreter

is that what you mean

As in...not make it a big deal.

**shel90** · 07-09-2011, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheOracle

Ah, well, I can't serve in the USAF because I'm 1) hoh and 2) a single parent. I mean, there are people who can't do those things and they're not 'disabled'. They're just not qualified.

In regards to being a commercial pilot, that's true, but deaf can still be pilots, nu?

That is just some of the few examples out of many. The point is that there are many deaf who are able to do avariety of jobs but society's prejudice makes it nearly impossible for many of us to achieve to our potential and as a result, many deaf give up and collect SSDI. Not everyone has the time nor the ability to fight and prove those ignorant people wrong. It would be nice but I am a realist especially in this economy the way it is. Call me pessimistic but I have seen way toooo many of my friends who have all the necessary degrees, training, or even experience apply to one company after another for years until they give up and work at jobs not related to their fields with poor pay or collect SSI. It gets discouraging.

DeafCaroline · 07-09-2011, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheOracle

As in...not make it a big deal.

Oh? I wonder if you would still be saying that if you spent years trying to get a job. "Oh, let's not make such a big deal out of it."

07-07-2011, 04:54 PM	#32 (permalink)
Beach girl Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: northern Virginia in winter; NC in summer Posts: 3,760	When you have a social welfare system, there will always be those who take advantage of it in one way or another. Doesn't matter; it's still a social good to have that safety blanket there for those who need it. I think there's a difference between calling deafness a "disability" from a public policy standpoint (which Grendel touched on, too), vs. deaf individuals' perception of themselves and their own abilities. In fact, it is often because of the technological and legal support we get on a large scale (through ADA, etc.), that as individuals, we HoH and deaf folks can live our lives pretty normally, for the most part. So a deaf person can rightfully say "I can do this job and I make the following adaptions to my hearing loss"...and then whatever it may be - amplified phones, sign language, text messages and e-mail, FM system for group meetings, whatever. Some employers need to be educated. Heck, a lot of deaf/Hoh people don't even know about all the stuff there is out there to make our lives easier. rockin'robin and kristy2078 like this.

07-07-2011, 05:12 PM	#34 (permalink)
rockin'robin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 15,659	Aren't there any training schools such as Job Core, even vocational classes in HS that deafies can take, in order to be more qualified in finding a job? I remmy taking Print Shop, (and I was the only girl taking that), learning teletype, among all the guys who wanted to pursue a job in Printing when they graduated..... Even prisoners are allowed to take courses such as Heating & Air, Small Engine Repair, etc. When I graduated, the Vocational Rehabiltation was "supposed" to help me find a job....but they did "squat"!...Months and months I waited. So I took things into my own hands, and pounded the pavement, and I worked at a good many variety of jobs, Even 3 jobs at one time, with only an hour or 2 of sleep. It's true, that today's economy is different that it was before. But I feel with good job training, even schooling, would benefit us all. And not accepting the word "NO"...keep going back, over and over, show your qualifications. ladysolitary85 and Beach girl like this.

07-07-2011, 08:37 PM	#37 (permalink)
warpedpink Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: California Bay Area Posts: 832	I don't consider myself disabled and I don't collect SSI. Many Deaf people have a hard time finding jobs. Hearing employers are often afraid to hire them.. The cost of interpreters, how to communicate, and much more scare the daylights out of them. So how do they survive? SSI checks, of course. And I'd also like to point out that it isn't just the Deaf taking free money. Millions of people are taking advantage of unemployment wages... and well, the list goes on. The line of thinking is: you'd have to be stupid to turn down free money. JoeyDeafNinja, GISJason, ladysolitary85 and 1 others like this. __________________

07-07-2011, 10:15 PM	#38 (permalink)
shel90 Audist are not welcome Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: A place where crabs are popular Posts: 40,491 Blog Entries: 3	My philosophy is this "We are not disabled but society makes us disabled." SJCSue, Buffalo, inmate23 and 2 others like this. __________________ "Wine improves with age. The older I get, the better I like it." --- Anonymous

07-08-2011, 04:06 AM	#40 (permalink)
*Calvin* Moderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 5,008	Mod note: Several posts have been removed. Let's take it easy and post civilly okay? Thanks. derek7names likes this.

Today
Deafness	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on AllDeaf.com

07-07-2011, 05:05 PM	#33 (permalink)
ladysolitary85 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 1,542	Ok my view is this.... I have complete hearing loss on my right side, I've got 60% (prolly more now since my hearing has decreased since March) loss on my left side. I have never collected SSI but that was only because in the state of Cali, I'd have to be about 90% hearing loss to qualify. Does this mean I'm disabled? I CAN do anything but hear. Yes, every job I have encountered I've had conflicts with my hearing. I make the best of what I have. There is something for everyone out there surely, and I'm not just talking about factory work either. So I wouldn't exactly say I'm disabled, but rather unable to hear without assistance of a hearing aid, even then sometimes not.

07-08-2011, 05:02 AM	#41 (permalink)
inmate23 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: christchuch Posts: 965	Ok I access the diffidently(wheelchair,LARGE PRINT, Braille,cane,speechreading,sign,) sociality considers me disabled(what NO!! i can do everything in my life that I choose) I am studying at moment so I don't have a job so i'm on a benefit.Till I can get a job.Now because I don't veiw myself as disabled I tried to get benefit change from invailds to the unemployment the site manager refused because "its not in your interests" Never mind the fact I need repetitious sole person type work to pay the bills as the rents are so high around here __________________ Please remeber I have audio processing disorder i use asl rochester method or pop or oral

07-08-2011, 11:29 PM	#48 (permalink)
InfamousMacBook Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 217	We get SSDI checks because the rest of the world is disabled to us. They refuse or make it hard to hire us, we don't get everything captioned, and sometimes getting a interpreter is a damn hassle to us because the person/company/organization does not think it is necessary because many Deaf/HoH read lips. So yes, we may as well collect if being paid off is the only way to go about our lives. Personally, I do not collect SSDI. I do not discriminate to those that do. Being HoH/Deaf is a hassle to the rest of the world and until they are willing to meet every need we have then damn straight we should get money.

07-09-2011, 03:04 AM	#51 (permalink)
TheOracle Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Denver Posts: 1,491	oh, and add: Having a disability is not the same as acting disabled. Deaf shouldn't be thought of as 'disabled'. __________________ In the confusion we stay with each other, happy to be together, speaking without uttering a single word. Question everyone. This is the Internet.

07-09-2011, 05:34 AM	#57 (permalink)
Frisky Feline Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 20,542	It's pretty same over years to me. Don't forget that some of us do pay out of our pockets to get new HAs or CIs. That is so awesome, not.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode