1. What does being deaf mean to you?
Being Deaf mean to me is so much special that is overcome the odds. Show my pride of being a Deaf that can do anything but hear. Proud to be part of Deafhood where i able to share or go on the journey in Deaf Culture to exposure to world and communities to learn. Thats why it is truly special.
2. Do you feel that deaf people have equal opportunities for advancement in the workforce?
Yeah, they shall feel same thing with others who wanted empower themselves that they wanted to be part of or be in. They shouldnt feel so limited but they should BELIEVE what they CAN and SHOW to prove. For instance, Im former Animal Control employee, i proved them wrong because I can do anything but hear.
3. Do you think that we should expect the general public to make more accommodations for the deaf community?
Oh yeah, why not? we can feel the opportunities to be deserve.
4. Do you feel you have an advantage or disadvantage being deaf/hearing when playing sports?
No, myself im playing sports since when i was little boy. I played a lot teams with hearings or Deafies. There are only difference: signing and gestures. Thats positive side for me to along with. I dont think that i have any disadvantage because they find themselves interesting to learn how to along with Deaf, yes it will be very difficult for them at start but at the along, it'll be all good to go. Only advantage is: can yell at referee because umpire/referee wont understand me at all, just players will.
5. Do you view being deaf a disability?
Unfortunely, no. Just only cant hear, is that disability? No, we capable to do everything but yes, there are several that limit us but we can overcome it when we have unity.
6. Should a deaf child be mainstreamed?
Oh yes, of course. Im one of mainstreamed in my childhood. Heck, give them a opportunity experience. Why not? We cant limit them for their experience.
7. Should deaf people get cochlear implants? Should deaf children?
Its up to them, their decision and their life where they want to fit in or learning to be curiously. We cant say no since its not our body and its their body which it is design to make decision, we dont.
8. If you implanted your child would you still teach them ASL?
If so, of course, ASL is language! Its not gesture, it is SIGNING LANGUAGE!
9. Would you involve them in the deaf community if they were implanted?
Oh yes, they are allow to learn where is their root that come from.
10. Should high schools off ASL as a foreign language?
Yes. Thats include colleges/universities, dont forget elementary can be part of. Its given opportunities for them to have this experience when they approach Deaf individuals. Its cool, though.
