There is no set way of knowing if a
hard of hearing individual is part of the Deaf community. It varies on the
individual. I think if they want to be involved and part of the Deaf community
then they should certainly be allowed to. This chapter posed a good question
that really got me thinking, “does the Deaf community want them?” (pg.317).
“‘Hard-of-hearing’ is not just an
audiological situation, it’s a state of mind, an attitude, and, in some cases,
a psychological defense” (pg. 317). This led me to believe that it really just
depends on the individual. If the individual is stubborn, they may not want to accept
the fact that they are deaf because in their mind the word “deaf” has such a
negative connotation. They may choose to stick with calling themselves
“Hard-of-hearing”. The authors say that it “can be used as a self-descriptive
label to avoid any identification with signing-Deaf” (pg. 318). It goes on to
say that they “may (or may not) have a more difficult time establishing a
satisfying cultural/ social identity” (pg.318). I think it would be a tough
transition from going from a hearing community to the Deaf community just
because they are both so different.
I never knew that there was a group
founded for hard of hearing individuals. I read that Howard E. “Rocky” Stone
created the Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, Inc. (SHHH) (pg. 319).
“SHHH’s emphasis is not on cultural affiliation but in coping and getting
social support and technological assistance” (pg. 319). I think that this is a
good idea. A hard of hearing individual may find this beneficial so I’m glad
that the service is available for them.
I know that one of the big disputes
between Hard of hearing and deaf people is over the use of sign language (pg.
319). I don’t think a hard of hearing individual should be forced to learn sign
language especially if they are still going to try to remain in the hearing
community. I think that they should definitely have the option to learn it
because it would be very helpful, but I think it comes down to whether or not
the individual wants to or not.
Chapter 54:
I think
it would be very challenging to become a late-deafened adult. You have grown up
in the hearing world and all of a sudden you have to switch languages. Late-deafened
is defined as “someone who became deaf-whether progressively, suddenly, or even
genetically- after the age 18” (pg. 321). I find it interesting that “a younger
person will usually find it easier to cope than someone with an established
career, marriage, children, and a stable pattern of life” (pg.321). A person
who is late-deafened would have to relearn how to communicate at work, with a
spouse and any other relationship. I think it would be aggravating to have to
relearn how to communicate. It would become frustrating trying to pick up on a
whole new language out of necessity. It is definitely do able but it would just
be a hard transition.
It was
sad to read that some “marriages have fallen apart… (they may) lose their jobs.
Isolation, depression, and suicidal impulses- are the most dangerous result of
this process” (pg. 322). I wish it wasn’t this way. It was awful to read that
these are all hardships that a late-deafened person may face. I was also disappointed
to discover that late-deafened individuals are not as welcomed into the Deaf
community as they should be. I understand that the Deaf community may feel
rejected but there is no reason to deny others who want to be part of it.
This chapter also discusses “the
Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA)” (pg. 323). This association was new
to me but I think it is a neat idea. “It’s important for late-deafened people
to know that they’re not alone, and
that their problems are real, not figments of their tormented minds” (pg. 323).
It seems that this association is meant to be a support system used to help
these individuals network. It is useful because these individuals can emphasis
with one another because “true understanding is often the first step towards
rebuilding one’s life” (pg. 323).
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