Ann.Stalnaker@f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Stalnaker) (02/04/90)
Index Number: 6590
I just chatted with Candace Low in Norman via the TDD and asked if she minded
if I posted her article from The Advocate newsletter that is put out by
Progressive Independence quarterly. She was most thrilled to share this
with us. Candace is hearing impaired and is the program director of
PI and the HI Services Coordinator for Progressive Living in Norman.
I shared the information about SilentTalk with her and suggested she log
on to American Site BBS (Les Barr's - 147/41) in Norman and join us in
this echo since they have a computer and modem. So, perhaps we'll have
some newbees with us soon.
Here's her article and I hope it'll generate some interest and others
might like to comment on a few of their life experiences in reference to some
of hers:
"Things I Didn't Learn in School"
by Candace Low
It seems that I have spent the biggest portion of my life going to college.
First in pursuit of a B.A., then an M.Ed., obtaining teaching credentials,
yearly classes for staff development and to keep my certificates current
and so on . . . After so many years in schools of higher learning you would
think that I was a wunderkind filled with profound wisdom, right?! Life
has had a lot of lessons for me on things I didn't learn in school. Here
are a few:
- "regular" school systems don't give jobs to deaf teachers.
- deaf teachers should teach in schools for the deaf because deaf
schools know how to "deal witht the problem." (What problem?
I talk as much as anyone and listen as well as most "hearing
people")
- telephones are not accessible to everyone. People who are deaf
or hearing impaired cannot call and order things or report a
problem or talk to a businessman when they want because few
people have Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD's).
- my friends who use wheelchairs and I cannot always go everywhere
together because the world is not accessible to everyone.
- interpreters are not provided in our courts of law for deaf
and hearing impaired people waiting for due process or wanting
to serve on the jury.
- hospitals don't have TDD's or provide interpreter services
when you need them (except Norman Regional Hospital). I didn't
learn in school that when you are going to have a baby, plan
ahead and be sure to take your own interpreter.
- some people still believe the myth that deaf and hard of
hearing people are dumb.
- some people believe that people with disabilities have no
ability.
- people still wonder if deaf people drive or dance.
- some insurance companies charge a higher rate for people who
are deaf.
- people still shout even though you tell them you are deaf
and can't hear them.
- T.V. stations do no close caption the local news to make the
information accessible to the deaf.
- weather reports are not captioned until the storm is a block
down the street. Deaf people have to run outside for a
weather report.
- legislation does not guarantee nondiscrimination.
I also didn't learn in school that some mommies won't let their children
play with my child because deafness is catching! (I am supposed to teach
my child to love mankind anyway. I promise, I will.)
We have made much progess in recent years in disability awareness and in
dispelling myths and stereotypes, but as you can see - we still have a
long way to go. The change must begin within each one of us. We must
teach our children that everyone has basic human rights. Change isn't
easy, but we must continue because as I have said before . . . you can't
legislate nondiscrimination.
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