Being a person with two disabilities I've grown up with "gawkers". You know the type, people that just have to stop what they're doing and stare at you.
It's a fact of life for people with different disabilities. Whether you're Deaf, Blind, in a wheelchair, a little person, missing a limb, or have scars - you've lived with being stared at.
The majority of them are children, with their natural curosity for life, stare at people who are different and "new" to them. But because their parents hush them and turn them away from us, they learn that "being different" must be "Bad and Awful". So begins the cycle of ignorance which sometimes leads to discrimination.
Why do we "gawk"? It's a natural response to look closer at something that we've rarely seen that we'd want to "burn it to memory" in case we'd never see it again. Oh come on! Don't tell me you've never stared at another human being before! Ever stared at some heavily tattooed person with 200 piercings walking by? How about the "well endowed" woman on the beach in a skinny bikini? Ever grumbled about why the traffic is so slow up ahead, approach the scene of the accident, then slow down yourself so you can look at the car wreck yourself??
Come-on! We've all done it!
The difference is what do you do about it? If you're curious then just approach the person and ask questions, I know I'll appreciate the opportunity to "educate" someone than tolerating the "lost deer in headlights look". If the individual is comfortable "in their skin" (meaning they've accepted themselves as differently-abled), they'll be willing to share their life story with you. Then you'll leave with better understanding of different people who are woven into the fabric of life.
But there are some individuals who a) have not accepted themselves; and/or b) believe that their "problems" are everyone elses' except their own. Sad but true. They will lash out at anyone staring at them. What do we do with these people? Ignore them? Scream at them? No, we just need to be patient. These people are still working out their "inner demons", whether they're angry at their disability or angry at others for causing their disability (real or imagined).
All things considered, it still isn't polite to stare! ASK! We'll both come away learning something new.
Friday, February 29, 2008
DeafBlind Communication - Addedum
Adding one more form of communication:
4. Oral method. There are "DB" people who do learn to speak. Even Helen Keller learned how to speak and gave oral presentations all across the country.
I am oral too, spoken English was my first language. I've been oral since I got my hearing aids at 2 years old (and my father would say that I haven't shut up since). Doctors have told my parents "don't teach her sign language or she'll never learn to speak".
I want to thank 'Emily' for pointing this out in her post. Sometimes the obvious answer is right in front of your face and you miss it eh?
4. Oral method. There are "DB" people who do learn to speak. Even Helen Keller learned how to speak and gave oral presentations all across the country.
I am oral too, spoken English was my first language. I've been oral since I got my hearing aids at 2 years old (and my father would say that I haven't shut up since). Doctors have told my parents "don't teach her sign language or she'll never learn to speak".
I want to thank 'Emily' for pointing this out in her post. Sometimes the obvious answer is right in front of your face and you miss it eh?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
DeafBlind Access - Where??? (Part One)
The other day I did an internet search for DeafBlind Accessibility products I was suprised to find it amazingly limited!
On one Accessibility Products "Vendor" site, there's about 200 products for "Deaf or Hard of Hearing" such as: ttys, videophones, visual alerts, pagers, volume controls, amplifiers, closed captioned televisions, captioned phones, hearing aids, CIs, etc.
On the same site there's about 300 products for "Blind or Low Vision" like Braillers, screenreaders (reads computer screen to speech), talking clocks, magnifiers, Large Print materials, talking handheld GPS system, audiobooks, money identifier, and a variety of equipment that "speaks".
But there's only 7 products for "DeafBlind" like Braille ttys, tactile alert (pager vibrates when phone rings, door knocks, etc), TellaTouch (a manual typewriter with a Braille output: person types their message on keyboard and the DeafBlind feels the Braille), and a few vibrating/tactile products.
Only 7 things?? What the Hell???
Then after my blog on "DeafBlind Communication", it hit me! There's no way to categorize "DeafBlind" products because we are so widely varied in our needs. The individual that has some usable hearing can choose to use an amplified system (FM system) and volume controls. Others with usable vision, like myself, can choose Large Print products and magnifiers. So we really end up "picking and choosing" from products on both lists. But for the "truly" DeafBlind with no usable vision or hearing, the products are very limited.
(To be Continued....)
On one Accessibility Products "Vendor" site, there's about 200 products for "Deaf or Hard of Hearing" such as: ttys, videophones, visual alerts, pagers, volume controls, amplifiers, closed captioned televisions, captioned phones, hearing aids, CIs, etc.
On the same site there's about 300 products for "Blind or Low Vision" like Braillers, screenreaders (reads computer screen to speech), talking clocks, magnifiers, Large Print materials, talking handheld GPS system, audiobooks, money identifier, and a variety of equipment that "speaks".
But there's only 7 products for "DeafBlind" like Braille ttys, tactile alert (pager vibrates when phone rings, door knocks, etc), TellaTouch (a manual typewriter with a Braille output: person types their message on keyboard and the DeafBlind feels the Braille), and a few vibrating/tactile products.
Only 7 things?? What the Hell???
Then after my blog on "DeafBlind Communication", it hit me! There's no way to categorize "DeafBlind" products because we are so widely varied in our needs. The individual that has some usable hearing can choose to use an amplified system (FM system) and volume controls. Others with usable vision, like myself, can choose Large Print products and magnifiers. So we really end up "picking and choosing" from products on both lists. But for the "truly" DeafBlind with no usable vision or hearing, the products are very limited.
(To be Continued....)
Monday, February 25, 2008
DeafBlind Communication
There are approximately 10 million blind and visually impaired people in the US (according to the National Federation of the Blind). There are approximately 1 million "functionally deaf" people and 8 million "hard of hearing" people in the US (according to a Gallaudet study). There are approximately 70,000 DeafBlind people in the US (according to the Helen Keller National Center).
Now many people when they hear the word "DeafBlind" automatically think of Helen Keller who was "totally" Deaf and Blind. But the truth is many DeafBlind actually do have some vision, or some hearing, or both. Sure I should be using the label "dual sensory impaired" or "hearing impaired and visually challenged" etc. etc. But I don't have the patience to "speak" or "fingerspell" all that ;) so I use "DeafBlind" for myself.
Communication with the DeafBlind are many and various depending on their "category" of DeafBlindness:
1. Born Deaf and either Blind from birth; have useful vision in childhood; or average vision in childhood but impaired later in life.
2. Born Hard of Hearing and Blind from birth; have useful vision in childhood; or average vision in childhood but impaired later in life.
3. Born Hearing and lost later in life and either Blind from birth; useful vision in childhood; or average sight in childhood and lost both later in life.
(Note: I used the word "average" instead of "normal". The defination of "average" is: what is typical of a group, class, or series or what is commonplace, middle, status quo, etc. I really don't like using the word "normal" to describe the common population because then it translates that people with disabilities are "abnormal" which we ain't)
Communication methods could range from:
1. Techniques based on ASL like limiting the field of signing to a smaller area, or tactile sign language (the DeafBlind putting their hands on top of the signer's hands).
2. Techniques based on written language like tactile alphabet, braille, block printing the alphabet on palm of hand, CCTV (TV monitors to magnify text), "Dexter" a mechanical fingerspelling hand, and/or a glove with sensors to convert fingerspelling to text on a computer.
3. Tadoma Method which is tactile reading of lips and throat. The DeafBlind feels the lips move and combine the movements with the throat vibrations.
Now what to do when you meet a DeafBlind person?
1. Always introduce yourself. Even if you've been friends for YEARS, you should still introduce yourself. I can't tell you the number of times I've not recognized someone I've known for years over and over again just from the fact that she's gotten a new hairdo or dyed her hair differently.
2. Let the person know when you're watching them, or you're talking to someone else. I've had many "conversations to the air" because it LOOKED like someone was watching me sign but actually were watching someone 2 seats over.
3. Talk directly TO the person, not to whomever they're with. I've had relatives at reunions ask my mother "How is Tracy doing?" my mother would say "Ask her yourself she's standing right here!"
4. Don't be afraid to use words like "see" "look" "hear" "listen" etc. DeafBlind people use those words too.
5. When giving directions or "calling" them, be specific like "the chair is on your left" or "I'm on the floor by the couch" (my kids had to learn that). Saying "over here" or "over there" does NOT work!!
6. If you want to help them around, ask them first and let them take you by the elbow. This is so that they're one step behind you and can feel the direction you are going. Also warn if there are steps or objects in the way. Do NOT grab the person by the shoulders or arms and steer them ahead of you. This is my #1 Pet Peeve!!! Geez, if I had a $1 for every time someone's grab me, steered me to a chair and plopped me down, I'd be rich!
The basic rule is "ASK"! DeafBlind, Deaf, Blind, or any other "disAbility" are just people like every one else, just have to do things a bit different. Just ask them if you want to know more. Don't shy away because you'd think it'll be "too hard". Heh, try LIVING it!
Until next time, leave the lights on and don't rearrange the furniture!
Now many people when they hear the word "DeafBlind" automatically think of Helen Keller who was "totally" Deaf and Blind. But the truth is many DeafBlind actually do have some vision, or some hearing, or both. Sure I should be using the label "dual sensory impaired" or "hearing impaired and visually challenged" etc. etc. But I don't have the patience to "speak" or "fingerspell" all that ;) so I use "DeafBlind" for myself.
Communication with the DeafBlind are many and various depending on their "category" of DeafBlindness:
1. Born Deaf and either Blind from birth; have useful vision in childhood; or average vision in childhood but impaired later in life.
2. Born Hard of Hearing and Blind from birth; have useful vision in childhood; or average vision in childhood but impaired later in life.
3. Born Hearing and lost later in life and either Blind from birth; useful vision in childhood; or average sight in childhood and lost both later in life.
(Note: I used the word "average" instead of "normal". The defination of "average" is: what is typical of a group, class, or series or what is commonplace, middle, status quo, etc. I really don't like using the word "normal" to describe the common population because then it translates that people with disabilities are "abnormal" which we ain't)
Communication methods could range from:
1. Techniques based on ASL like limiting the field of signing to a smaller area, or tactile sign language (the DeafBlind putting their hands on top of the signer's hands).
2. Techniques based on written language like tactile alphabet, braille, block printing the alphabet on palm of hand, CCTV (TV monitors to magnify text), "Dexter" a mechanical fingerspelling hand, and/or a glove with sensors to convert fingerspelling to text on a computer.
3. Tadoma Method which is tactile reading of lips and throat. The DeafBlind feels the lips move and combine the movements with the throat vibrations.
Now what to do when you meet a DeafBlind person?
1. Always introduce yourself. Even if you've been friends for YEARS, you should still introduce yourself. I can't tell you the number of times I've not recognized someone I've known for years over and over again just from the fact that she's gotten a new hairdo or dyed her hair differently.
2. Let the person know when you're watching them, or you're talking to someone else. I've had many "conversations to the air" because it LOOKED like someone was watching me sign but actually were watching someone 2 seats over.
3. Talk directly TO the person, not to whomever they're with. I've had relatives at reunions ask my mother "How is Tracy doing?" my mother would say "Ask her yourself she's standing right here!"
4. Don't be afraid to use words like "see" "look" "hear" "listen" etc. DeafBlind people use those words too.
5. When giving directions or "calling" them, be specific like "the chair is on your left" or "I'm on the floor by the couch" (my kids had to learn that). Saying "over here" or "over there" does NOT work!!
6. If you want to help them around, ask them first and let them take you by the elbow. This is so that they're one step behind you and can feel the direction you are going. Also warn if there are steps or objects in the way. Do NOT grab the person by the shoulders or arms and steer them ahead of you. This is my #1 Pet Peeve!!! Geez, if I had a $1 for every time someone's grab me, steered me to a chair and plopped me down, I'd be rich!
The basic rule is "ASK"! DeafBlind, Deaf, Blind, or any other "disAbility" are just people like every one else, just have to do things a bit different. Just ask them if you want to know more. Don't shy away because you'd think it'll be "too hard". Heh, try LIVING it!
Until next time, leave the lights on and don't rearrange the furniture!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
What's with the Nick??
Hi,
Ever wonder what's with the Nickname Rusty_Coyote??
Well sit back and I'll tell you the tale....
Way back I was on CompuServe (Gawd do you remember that??) and my original nickname was TCB. For my initials as well as "Taking Care of Business" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive (think you can sign that one MikeSZZ??). I met a guy online by the nick of RandyCyoT. Now CompuServe limits the number of characters in a nickname and he couldn't put in RandyCoyote. So he used the phonic spelling Cy-O-T.
Well we dated online for 2 years and another online friend offered him a job where I was so he moved up. One year later we were married. My initials then became TCS and "Taking Care of Sh*t" doesn't sound very appealing (even if there's more sh*t to take care of after marriage). So I changed the nick to MrsCyoT.
About 4 years ago, my hearing became worse and I couldn't hear anybody talking even from across the dinner table. I decided to get a C. I. (Cochlear Implant). I joined an online support group for CI users to ask questions and get information. No place better to get information than from actual users eh?
After my surgery I had 22 staples in my head and the doctor ordered me not to wash my hair until the post-surgery checkup in 14 days. Well, being a woman with very long hair and having vaseline in my hair from the incision I couldn't resist trying to wash my hair. I tried to just sit in the bathtub and wash a strand at a time but after 45 mins I said "Screw this" and took a full hot shower. After I told my friends on the online group, one lady teased me "Have your staples rusted up yet?" So as a joke I signed on with RustyCyot and the nickname stuck.
Ever wonder what's with the Nickname Rusty_Coyote??
Well sit back and I'll tell you the tale....
Way back I was on CompuServe (Gawd do you remember that??) and my original nickname was TCB. For my initials as well as "Taking Care of Business" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive (think you can sign that one MikeSZZ??). I met a guy online by the nick of RandyCyoT. Now CompuServe limits the number of characters in a nickname and he couldn't put in RandyCoyote. So he used the phonic spelling Cy-O-T.
Well we dated online for 2 years and another online friend offered him a job where I was so he moved up. One year later we were married. My initials then became TCS and "Taking Care of Sh*t" doesn't sound very appealing (even if there's more sh*t to take care of after marriage). So I changed the nick to MrsCyoT.
About 4 years ago, my hearing became worse and I couldn't hear anybody talking even from across the dinner table. I decided to get a C. I. (Cochlear Implant). I joined an online support group for CI users to ask questions and get information. No place better to get information than from actual users eh?
After my surgery I had 22 staples in my head and the doctor ordered me not to wash my hair until the post-surgery checkup in 14 days. Well, being a woman with very long hair and having vaseline in my hair from the incision I couldn't resist trying to wash my hair. I tried to just sit in the bathtub and wash a strand at a time but after 45 mins I said "Screw this" and took a full hot shower. After I told my friends on the online group, one lady teased me "Have your staples rusted up yet?" So as a joke I signed on with RustyCyot and the nickname stuck.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Hearing Ear Dog Stories 2
Transcript:
Hi, I'll now talk Hearing Ear Dog Stories Part 2.
The dog's now about 10 years old and my kids were 4 and 2. We decided to go to the Mall and wander around. My daughter was in the stroller and my son was running around. We were walking along when the leash tugged me back, the dog wasn't following. I looked back to see him squatting. I screamed "Not in the Store!!" What am I to do??? I'm all out of bags! I'm searching thru the stroller for something to use. I didn't want people to walk along and step in it and I get in trouble for it! I told my son to go into the store and ask the lady for a bag. He runs off into the store, I'm all worried watching for him in case someone snatches him or he gets distracted and runs off somewhere else. My daughters throwing a fit and rocking the stroller back and forth. I'm telling her to wait, the dog's sitting there, ears back, looking guilty, I wanted to swat him! There's people bustling about and I'm watching they don't step in the mess. I look up to see a group of teenage girls heading my way. I try waving at them but they're too busy chatting and looking all over. I screamed "HEY!" They jumped up and I pointed down at the mess and they freak and back away. My mind's running a million things at once. Women can think a million things at once but men only think of 3 things 1) Sex 2) Drinking 3) Sports Thats it! Anyways back to the point. My son runs back out "Mommy! I got a bag!" and its HUGE!! "ohhh good boy thank you" Open this huge bag, reach in and scoop up the mess and clean up. The dog's still looking guilty "Don't Poop in the Mall!!" Think its finished?? Nooo.....Later that week we go to Church. We were a little late, I dropped my daughter off in daycare then walk to the other end of the church and dropped my son off at Sunday school. On the way to the worship the leash yanked again. "AHHH not in CHURCH!!" I don't have any bags Shoot!! A woman walking down the hall ducked into one door of the kitchen, came out with a bag and smiled "good morning" "Oh thank you thank you". I cleaned it up and put it in the trash then went into the service. My husband nudged me "why late?" "the dog pooped in the hall" He's snickering and then nudges me again "did you clean it up?" "Yes, there's only 1 dog in the church they'll know its ME"
We later went to the Vet and determined that he's getting old and nervous in public or busy places so I had to retire him early. When he was 12 he started losing his hearing and the family joke was we need a Hearing Ear Cat for the Hearing Ear Dog.
That's my most embarrassing moment. Hope it never happens to you!
A DeafBlind's Perspective on Subtitles
Transcript:
Hi, I want to give you my perspective as a DeafBlind person on Subtitles. There have been many Vlogs on this debate. I let you know that I agree with Mike, our audience are ASL users so I'm signing straight to ASL users, simple as that. If you want to educate hearing on Culture, etc, then subtitle it and address it straight to them. But I'm signing ASL to ASL. If the Oral deaf want to subtitle that's fine, but please use Yellow Text. One person used Orange text and I couldn't read it at all. You have to use Contrast colors, dark shirt with Yellow text. Also you can put the subject in the "About Video" to explain what you will talk about. I can read it and know "Oh you will talk about N.A.D." perfect then I can watch knowing what the subject is. Also ASL users with subtitles is too annoying. I tried watching one person's ASL with subtitles and it was too much going on. Just have it either spoken with subtitles or straight ASL only. If I missed what they said and I'm really interested in the topic, I can e-mail the person and ask what they said. I use Transcripts for my Vlogs for my Hearing family or for other hearing people who are interested learning to sign, or not sure what that "sign" was as some signs are different locally. Example, in the US the sign for "hotel" is different than the sign used in Canada. So you can read the transcript and find out. But really I prefer it without subtitles, ASL to ASL. If ASL student missed a sign then you can e-mail me and I'll tell you. Simple!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Snow Day!
Last Thursday and Friday it snowed for 2 straight days. School was cancelled both days, trash pick-up was cancelled and there were warnings on the radio to drive safe. Here's what the snow looked like:
I laughed when I saw how a little bit of snow was causing so much concern and "hoopla".
I'm originally from Barrie, Ontario (an hour north of Toronto). These snow days is just a normal, nice, light winter day to me. I'll show you what a REAL snow day is!
This is my cousin's car parked in Midland, Ontario. The driveway's about 15 to 20 feet long, yet it took over an hour to clear it! Now THAT'S a snow day.
So, do I miss the Canadian weather?? ..........Naw!!!
I laughed when I saw how a little bit of snow was causing so much concern and "hoopla".
I'm originally from Barrie, Ontario (an hour north of Toronto). These snow days is just a normal, nice, light winter day to me. I'll show you what a REAL snow day is!
This is my cousin's car parked in Midland, Ontario. The driveway's about 15 to 20 feet long, yet it took over an hour to clear it! Now THAT'S a snow day.
So, do I miss the Canadian weather?? ..........Naw!!!
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