Advice needed...

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Doodlebug

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Hi,

I'm new to this forum and have a couple of questions. I was born deaf in one ear and have recently found out that I am losing hearing in the other ear- which SUX alot because I am a counsellor and am obviously going to have to change career. I know deaf people can do any job but what sort of jobs are the easiest to get along in? - I mean even to be a secretary you have to answer phones... Also where can my boyfriend and I learn sign language?

Any advice will assist.

Thanx
Doodlebug
 
you can learn sign language at any church, university, college or center for the deaf/hoh.

if you do end up losing your hearing, you might want to consider working with d/Deaf and hoh clients as a counselor who signs. after all, there is a serious shortage of counselors who know asl.

you could also use a terp with hearing clients. if you're a good counselor, they shouldn't have any problems with you using a terp.

if there are any concerns about confidentiality with you using a terp, all terps are bound by the rules of confidentiality under the rid code of ethics.
 
Yes, there are sometimes counselors who know sign language, but I think you'll be better prepared to understand deaf and hard of hearing clients better than a hearing person who knows sign language. You can also work at a deaf school like Hear Again said. You can tell VR about it when you get better with sign langugae.

How about using UbiDuo? It's costly, but it might work for you. Check out this site:

sComm | Freedom Through Communication

Welcome to the forum!
 
Doodlebug said:
Hi,

I'm new to this forum and have a couple of questions. I was born deaf in one ear and have recently found out that I am losing hearing in the other ear- which SUX alot because I am a counsellor and am obviously going to have to change career. I know deaf people can do any job but what sort of jobs are the easiest to get along in? - I mean even to be a secretary you have to answer phones... Also where can my boyfriend and I learn sign language?

Any advice will assist.

Thanx
Doodlebug
Click to expand...

I'm sure you can keep your job as counsellor but what you can do is learn sign language and help deaf people of their needs . You can do search on google for your area to see if there is sign language classes availble or buy yourself "Joy of signing" book and there is also links you can go it is free no chanrges • ASL • American Sign Language, , http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi Learn all than you can find better job near deaf school . BTW welcome to All Deaf forums ........Good Luck :wave:
 
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but have you looked into hearing aids for the ear you are starting to lose hearing in (and even the one you were born deaf with?) That could be a temporary fix until you figure out what works for you, job-wise and life-style wise. Perhaps even a Cochlear Implant would help at some point. Check out the hearing aids/cochlear implant section of this forum - you might find some help there ...
 
The best way to learn sign isnt taking classes believe it or not, its all about being exposed around deaf people, so start making friends :)
 
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