I can't say much about this, because I'm hearing.
However, I am curious as to what "Normal" would mean.
I understand the term disabled, and have always simply viewed it as "not able" to do something. Some people have the abillity to walk, some do not. They are not able to walk. Some individuals are born this way, some aquire it through an accident, or some other event.
NORMAL
1 a : according with, constituting, or not deviating from a norm, rule, or principle
b : conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern
2 : occurring naturally and not because of disease, inoculation, or any experimental treatment <normal immunity>
So, as I understand it, the human body has a norm; a healthy, fully functioning individual. There are tons of deviations from this norm.
So people try and judge? This is more abnormal than that? I am more "normal" than you?
Then there is the whole issue of culture thrown into the mix.
Person A - "I was born in Scotland, My parents are Scottish, but I have lived in Canada 22 of my 25 years"
Person B - "I was born in Peru, but have lived in Scotland for 25 years. That's my whole life."
Who is "more" Scottish? Person A, or Person B?
Why can't people focus on the "Quality" of life we have. A person in a wheel chair goes swimming, plays basket ball, has a good job and a family; and he is extremely happy!
If a CI makes someone happy, why is that a big deal.
If someone doesn't want one, and they are happy, then what's the difference.
Again, I am not Deaf so I can not prettend that I know what it is like, So maybe I am completely wrong. But it would be greatly appreciated if you would correct me so I can better understand.