AllDeaf.com
Mobile - Perks - Store - Advertise - Spy  

Go Back   AllDeaf.com > Miscellaneous > On-topic Debates
LIKE AllDeaf on Facebook FOLLOW AllDeaf on Twitter
  
View Poll Results: Which would you rather to be?
Deaf 79 96.34%
Blind 3 3.66%
Voters: 82. You may not vote on this poll

Reply
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Unread 07-09-2003, 08:56 PM   #1 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Posts: 137
Send a message via AIM to LadyDuke
Question Deaf or Blind?

Unlike many of you, ADers, I have experienced both deafness and blindness because I am Deaf and legally blind.

I know both pros and cons of deafness and blindness. I can make a list of pros and cons on both "disabilities." But first, I would like to see how many ADers rather to be Deaf or to be Blind.

Having experienced both disabilities, I can tell you that I rather to be Deaf.
LadyDuke is offline   Reply With Quote
Alt Today
Deafness

Beitrag 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
   
Unread 07-10-2003, 02:40 AM   #2 (permalink)
Registered User
 
daveman4510's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Australia
Posts: 137
I would rather be deaf............that way I can see the beautiful gals!!!!!!!
daveman4510 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-10-2003, 05:44 AM   #3 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
Kalista's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 8,112
I did rather to be Deaf to watch my two boys grow up.

I remember, when I meet a hearing blind Man. The interpreter told him, that lady is Deaf which is not able to speaking well. She watches an interpreter in the sign language. Blind man said, oh dear I am so sorry, you are Deaf. You miss alot of beautiful sound birds, music, etc... I was stunned because he did rather to be blind than deaf just the sounds.

He asked me if I could survive to be Deaf. I said oh yeah, I could walk without the cane or assistant. I could drive a car, go to food shopping, take care of my kids, without any assistant. I did rather to see by visual with beautiful flowers, blue sky, mountains, sexy men's butts while they jog, etc. etc.. Blind man was impressed because I have two children, work full time, able drive a car, etc...

He admits that he did rather to be blind than deaf. Is not it interesting ?

Blind man did not realize how beautiful out there in the enironvments. I watched the movie, it called " First Sight". Oh Dear, that movie was damn GOOD one ! It is very good anology as Deaf children or adult who get their first cochlear implant. Their brains were not funictional to connect with cochlear implant. Just like that movie "First Sight" to see with colorful and bright. It is really hurt to the brain due to not using with visual colorful and bright.

~ Sabrina
Kalista is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-10-2003, 07:26 AM   #4 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Ziusudra's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Posts: 771
Aww yeah, I'm glad I'm only deaf and not blind. We should all count our fortunes no matter how small or insignificant they seem.

Ziusudra
Ziusudra is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-10-2003, 09:29 AM   #5 (permalink)
Registered User
 
SilenceGold's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 3,508
Well, blind people would usually say they'll rather to be blind than deaf....because their lives are adapted to being blind. They would be scared to purge into a disability that they have no clue about.

Same for deaf people though.
SilenceGold is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-10-2003, 11:04 AM   #6 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Fly Free's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Roosted in the DC area!
Posts: 9,101
SG -- i remmy years ago i did an informal survey talking with hearie friends i had and questioned them which they prefer blind or deaf qq all but 1 had answered would prefer to be blind and the only 1 had surprised me by saying prefer to be deaf those who said prefer to be blind cuz they dont wanna give up their love for music!!! and the 1 that said prefers to be deaf than blind said he can still appreciate music by feeling the beats and etc (he had point) and want to see the beauty in life
__________________
Enjoying life!
Fly Free is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-10-2003, 12:37 PM   #7 (permalink)
pinkster
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
i obviously prefer to be deaf - but i'd rather be born deaf instead of losing it later in life and always know what im "missing" out on. I think im better off not knowing
  Reply With Quote
Unread 07-10-2003, 03:05 PM   #8 (permalink)
Registered User
 
CatoCooper13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Sonoma County, California
Posts: 6,443
Send a message via AIM to CatoCooper13 Send a message via MSN to CatoCooper13 Send a message via Yahoo to CatoCooper13
Re: Deaf or Blind?

Quote:
Originally posted by LadyDuke
Unlike many of you, ADers, I have experienced both deafness and blindness because I am Deaf and legally blind.

I know both pros and cons of deafness and blindness. I can make a list of pros and cons on both "disabilities." But first, I would like to see how many ADers rather to be Deaf or to be Blind.

Having experienced both disabilities, I can tell you that I rather to be Deaf.
I have night blindness - cannot see very well at night time, I'd prefer to be DEAF over being blind. Deaf people can do a lot more things than a blind person.
Like someone else in this forum mentioned a blind man preferring to be blind than deaf. It's interesting, but again, it was the man's opinion.

Goldie
CatoCooper13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-10-2003, 05:53 PM   #9 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Posts: 137
Send a message via AIM to LadyDuke
Yes, SilenceGold is correct on adaption part.

I was born Deaf and legally blind and grew up Deaf-legally blind. Actually, I have some good eyesight left while growing up until I lost a lot of them at the age of 15. I never lost my hearing because I was born "stone" Deaf.....so....like Pinkster said, it's easier this way if I (or anyone) was born Deaf.

Being Deaf has both pros and cons.

Being Blind has both pros and cons.

I can write a long list of pros and cons for both deafness and blindness!
LadyDuke is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-10-2003, 05:59 PM   #10 (permalink)
Registered User
 
ChelEler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,565
Send a message via Yahoo to ChelEler
Interesting. Post the long list anyway. I want to see them.
__________________
~RAWR~
-ChelEler-
=^.~=
ChelEler is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-10-2003, 06:47 PM   #11 (permalink)
kuifje75
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I would rather be Deaf than blind, of course. It's no brainer when you ask people who already are deaf which one they prefer. I'm sure if you posed this question the general public (hearing), you would probably get a much different result.

I would rather be Deaf because I am a visual person and love seeing things. How could I travel and "see things" if I were blind?! I couldn't imagine trying to travel without my eyesight, because it would be so difficult to know how the world looks like in different parts of this Earth.
  Reply With Quote
Unread 07-10-2003, 08:30 PM   #12 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 975
Send a message via AIM to RosesNY Send a message via Yahoo to RosesNY
Well i would like to be deaf better cuz i love to see things
RosesNY is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-13-2003, 10:30 PM   #13 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Posts: 137
Send a message via AIM to LadyDuke
I am Deaf-Blind and have experienced both worlds.

It will take me forever to write pros and cons of being Deaf and being Blind.

But I'll tell you what...

As a Deaf-Blind person, I move quickly in the dark than a Deafie can! I communicate at any hour and in any room regardless of brightness. I even can communicate in the car and in bed in the dark that most Deafies can't. Unless Deafies wanna practice TSL.

I can walk and crawl quickly in the dark while Deafies become very awkward doing them in the dark.

I don't need vision in some situtations like Deafies need.

What I have something Deaf people and Blind people don't have is I can communicate with hearing, hearing-blind, Deaf, and Deaf-Blind people in written English, Braille, and ASL.

Last edited by LadyDuke; 07-13-2003 at 10:33 PM.
LadyDuke is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-13-2003, 10:39 PM   #14 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
Oddball's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: The Toxic State
Posts: 4,570
I am curious about Deaf-Blind can do.

I often wonder how Deaf-Blind can use computer. I understand that legally blinded people use large font software to help them "see" on monitor. I know two of them are vision impaired using the large format software.

But, I am very curious how Deaf-Blind person can "see" the websites if they are totally blind? Help me understand better.

Thanks.
Oddball is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-13-2003, 10:51 PM   #15 (permalink)
Registered User
 
CatoCooper13's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Sonoma County, California
Posts: 6,443
Send a message via AIM to CatoCooper13 Send a message via MSN to CatoCooper13 Send a message via Yahoo to CatoCooper13
Quote:
Originally posted by Oddball
I am curious about Deaf-Blind can do.

I often wonder how Deaf-Blind can use computer. I understand that legally blinded people use large font software to help them "see" on monitor. I know two of them are vision impaired using the large format software.

But, I am very curious how Deaf-Blind person can "see" the websites if they are totally blind? Help me understand better.

Thanks.
I am curious, too. I work for 'The DeafBlind Association' here in Victoria, Australia -- it provides accommodation, services and computer services for the deafblind population of Victoria. You could find more information on this at: http://www.dba.asn.au

Hope that helps.

Goldie
CatoCooper13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-13-2003, 11:05 PM   #16 (permalink)
Registered User
 
[DP]ricewar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: NJ
Posts: 9
yeah, DEAF POWER!
[DP]ricewar is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-13-2003, 11:06 PM   #17 (permalink)
Registered User
 
[DP]ricewar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: NJ
Posts: 9
i'm new to this all deaf.. I like this! =P ..
[DP]ricewar is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-14-2003, 02:36 AM   #18 (permalink)
Registered User
 
MsGiglz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: WVa
Posts: 4,255
Send a message via AIM to MsGiglz Send a message via Yahoo to MsGiglz
Re: Re: Deaf or Blind?

Quote:
Originally posted by WaterRats13
I have night blindness - cannot see very well at night time, I'd prefer to be DEAF over being blind. Deaf people can do a lot more things than a blind person.
Like someone else in this forum mentioned a blind man preferring to be blind than deaf. It's interesting, but again, it was the man's opinion.

Goldie
I just found out that i have night blindness and bright blindness. whatever too bright (example bright sunny or flash or bright light) and go in dim room (inside house).. I couldnt see for couple hours.. At night, I couldnt see very well--I hate the most is that something movement.. I wasnt sure what it is.. make me panic or creep me out.. (runs inside to make sure i am safe) hehe..
Anyways, I would say I prefer to be Deaf.. since my life have adpated to be deaf (just like SG said)..

Be sure if you see Blind or Blind/Deaf person out in public, and look uncomfortable or look for help.. Help them
__________________
MsGiglz is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-14-2003, 04:06 PM   #19 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Posts: 137
Send a message via AIM to LadyDuke
Quote:
Originally posted by Oddball
I am curious about Deaf-Blind can do.

I often wonder how Deaf-Blind can use computer. I understand that legally blinded people use large font software to help them "see" on monitor. I know two of them are vision impaired using the large format software.

But, I am very curious how Deaf-Blind person can "see" the websites if they are totally blind? Help me understand better.

Thanks.
That's a good question.

Deaf-Blind (totally blind) people can read computers by using a special computer equipment called Navigator. It's like a Braille typewriter and reader. There must be some kind of software for the Navigator.

Some websites are programmed for these totally blind to read in Braille. Some websites are not.

A Deaf-Blind (totally blind) HAS to be fluent in Braille in order to use the Navigator.

Frankly, I don't know much about the Navigator. I was trained to use the Navigator for a short period when I was at Gallaudet University. I could've completed the training if I hadn't left Gally.

How do I read computers? I use a super magnficiation software called Zoom Text Xlra. For more information on this software, check it out at www.aisquared.com

Technology is developing rapidly day by day and year by year. That makes a life easier, even for Deaf-Blind people!
LadyDuke is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 07-14-2003, 04:34 PM   #20 (permalink)
Registered User
 
ChelEler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,565
Send a message via Yahoo to ChelEler
Wow, 258~ !!
__________________
~RAWR~
-ChelEler-
=^.~=
ChelEler is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-17-2007, 01:50 PM   #21 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: England
Posts: 3,017
I also use Zoomtext.

I have a friend who has a braille display. She has problem accessing the internet that way. I did start trying to access the internet using a braille display but there was nobody available to teach me. It is easier to get tuition in sceen enlarger or speech rather then braille. Braille is very expensive and also they break easily. I sometimes thinking of getting one anyway. I think some people who use braille displays can use the internet but they are usually super intelligent and can under stand the manuals written in computer jargon rather then plain english.

I got myself a braille embosser recently. It took me over a year to figure out how to use it.

Back on topic: there is nothing wrong with being blind. Blind hearies can be very independant too. Same as Sighted deafies. I am deafblind and consider myself to be independant as well. Although some blind people are not so independant. Not because of their blindness but because they have not been given enough blindskills such as braille, mobility etc... Now with mainstreaming the problem gets worse. As the school may prefere to assign the blind kid with minders rather then teaching them to get about by themselves.
__________________
I speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
http://www.fightfoca.com/
dreama is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-17-2007, 05:45 PM   #22 (permalink)
Lets ride horses!
 
Phillips's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Spaceship
Posts: 11,170
Vote D E A F
__________________

My journal!
http://poochie21.blogspot.com/

***Enjoy life today, Yesterday has past and Tomorrow may never come.***
Phillips is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-17-2007, 05:52 PM   #23 (permalink)
Registered User
 
diehardbiker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: In back of Superduty
Posts: 11,285
Where is the life if blind???

I do not understand why majority of hearing people prefer to be blind over Deaf. Sad, majority of them are OUTTA of their MIND!

Cons of being Deaf

Can't hear, can't speak 100% perfect

Pro about being Deaf


Can DO ANYTHING BUT hear/speak

Cons of being Blind

Depend on somebody for guide, no freedom.

Pro about being blind:

Can hear clearly and play music awesome.
That is it? OMG!
__________________
J-MAC's quote: "People who try and fail are more superior than people who don't try at all"

"If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as the souls who live under tyranny."
Thomas Jefferson (1778)

Avatar picture is Cape Hatteras light house in OBX.
diehardbiker is online now   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-17-2007, 06:30 PM   #24 (permalink)
Let It Snow!!!!
 
shel90's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: A place where crabs are popular
Posts: 40,305
Blog Entries: 3
Cant vote cuz I have never experienced blindness...who knows, would have I led a better life as a blind person?

However, if I were to choose to become blind now and get full hearing back, I would say no and stay deaf with sight only because that's all I know.

I am glad I was born deaf instead of losing it later cuz I cant imagine the emotions or trauma people go thru losing their hearing after having hearing all their lives especially if it is sudden. Same goes for being blind.

I cant vote because I would be biased since I grew up deaf. Maybe this poll would be more appropriate for people who have normal hearing and sight?
__________________
"Wine improves with age. The older I get, the better I like it."

--- Anonymous
shel90 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-17-2007, 06:54 PM   #25 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 7
My biggest thing with being blind is I'm afraid of the dark, and being in the complete dark makes me feel smothered and claustrophobic. It would probably be really traumatic--at least for me. And it would drive me insane because I'm a totally visual person. I love art way too much. I'd miss music, sure, but, if I had my choice, I'd rather be deaf.
juztapax is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-17-2007, 06:56 PM   #26 (permalink)
Registered User
 
diehardbiker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: In back of Superduty
Posts: 11,285
That is one of few kinds of blindness. Some blind people still can see light but darn out of focus, therefore can't see a thing, but light.

Quote:
Originally Posted by juztapax View Post
My biggest thing with being blind is I'm afraid of the dark, and being in the complete dark makes me feel smothered and claustrophobic. It would probably be really traumatic--at least for me. And it would drive me insane because I'm a totally visual person. I love art way too much. I'd miss music, sure, but, if I had my choice, I'd rather be deaf.
__________________
J-MAC's quote: "People who try and fail are more superior than people who don't try at all"

"If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as the souls who live under tyranny."
Thomas Jefferson (1778)

Avatar picture is Cape Hatteras light house in OBX.
diehardbiker is online now   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-17-2007, 07:18 PM   #27 (permalink)
Registered User
 
MetroGuy03's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 844
I have Usher Syndrome Type I. I still can see pretty good since I am young (22 years old). My vision decreased some recently... I rather to be deaf even I can hear well with my cochlear implant. I still label myself as DEAF person because that is who I really am.

Recently, I just learned that the researchers discovered new way to stop people from becoming completely blind by putting the medicines inside people's eyes and leave it for few months then have another surgury to get empty medicines out. People will have same visions for many years to forever. I am thinking about take that medicine but I am not sure since it doesn't show many results of successions yet. My future depends on my vision since I am art person that requires alot of visions. I need to get cured asap so I can keep my good visions for the rest of my life.
MetroGuy03 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-17-2007, 08:00 PM   #28 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by diehardbiker View Post
That is one of few kinds of blindness. Some blind people still can see light but darn out of focus, therefore can't see a thing, but light.
Really? Eheh.. I need to do more research before I speak, then.

Even given that information, I would still rather be deaf. Light or not, it would shoot down my entire way of expression.
juztapax is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-17-2007, 11:48 PM   #29 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Hwy99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: A town in middle of the rolling hills
Posts: 6,141
Deaf. I can't stand without a movie!
Hwy99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-18-2007, 12:10 AM   #30 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Silentwolfdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Earth
Posts: 931
Probably deaf. Color/freedom vs music/communicate...

I have always wondered, if blind person and deaf person were lost in the forest. Which one will come out the forest alive or at least last longer in the forest? Someone argued with me one time that blind person can make it out alive. I am not so sure on that.

I mean both without any tools to start with such as cane or hearing aid for either one.
__________________
If you are using red or blue font, there's a good chance that I am not reading your posts due to it being blended into background!
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night. ~Sarah William
Check my art at http://silentwolfdog.deviantart.com
Silentwolfdog is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:13 AM.


Join AllDeaf on Facebook!    Follow us on Twitter!

AllDeaf proudly supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Copyright © 2002-2013, AllDeaf.com. All Rights Reserved.