[Ellen-M]

I agree that it is a visual thing. If you see someone in a wheelchair, in braces or on crutches etc., a disability is easy to see and respond to. People have a little more experience in dealing with those. Deafness is an invisible disablity. I’ve been called stupid or dumb when I’ve had a problem understanding a statement or question. I’ve also been called stuck up for not responding to a greeting, until the person was enlightened. It also has to do with whether or not a person has had experience in dealing with a deaf or hard of hearing family member, friend or coworker. Most of the time, when when I’m having a problem understanding a salesclerk, receptionist, etc., when I tell them I’m hard of hearing and I read lips, the majority of them apologize and are very understanding. I know my friends, family and coworkers get frustrated sometimes in trying to communicate with me; with having to repeat themselves and it’s frustrating for me, too. If necessary, I ask them to write it down. Sometimes all I need is just one written word, and the rest snaps into focus. I occasionally remind them, that at the end of the day, they can go home and not deal with it. I have to deal with my deafness 24/7. And when I started wearing hearing aids, everyone said ‘Well, you can let your hair cover them and no one will notice.’ My response, was ‘Heck, no! I want it noticable!’ And I now wear a very short, boyish hair style, with my behind the ear aids very prominently displayed!

User Detail :  

Name : Ellen-M, Gender : F, Disability : Deaf, Race : White/Caucasian, Age : 52, City : Charleston, State : SC, Country : United States, Occupation : Hospital Billing/Fiscal Tech, Education level : High School Diploma, 

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