Transcript below
Transcript:
Hello. It’s nice out tonight. Yes, it is night time. It’s 7pm, but it’s still daylight. The sun hasn’t quite set yet. I’m sitting in my back yard right now just chillin. Yeah… I should do this more often…
I just got back, a little while ago, from a workshop. I lead a panel of speakers. (Yes, i worked on a Saturday! Oy!) anyway, it was a good workshop. There were many people in attendance. The make up of the audience was mixed and diverse. There were Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, CI users, those who used FM systems and a variety of others, including some who were hearing as well. It was a great mix of diverse people.
The panel, itself, was also diverse. There was a big “D” Deaf person (native ASL user, Deaf school graduate born to hearing parents).
There was also a little “d” deaf person who happened to be born deaf. He went to a mainstream school, (did not sign) later received a CI, then transfered to NTID, learned ASL in college and became fluent. This panelist had many different identities wrapped up on one person!
Another late-deafened panelist grew up hearing, had a deaf mother and hearing father, she signed a bit when young, became hard of hearing later in life and then a while later became profoundly deaf. By then, she knew ASL and she also got a CI and got her hearing back and it was like she was hearing again. So her identity swing like a pendulum from hearing to Deaf to hearing again. Wow!
The final panelist was a hard of hearing woman. She did not ASL and did not get a CI. Apparently she was “not deaf enough” to receive a CI, which was interesting.
All of these panelists had such a mixture of identities. The audience also showed such a variety of identities and it really impacted me. You know, I tend to work with Deaf people all over. Actually, I usually work with signing d/Deaf people. However, i have worked some with seniors who are losing their hearing due to age, and a variety of others. But I realize that today, we simply no longer fit into one box. Not even within our respective groups.
I asked the panelist how they identified themselves. For the Deaf panelist, that was easy. He was proud of his Deaf identity and strong in his cultural language of ASL. But all of the other panelists could not stay with just one label. They couldn’t! They were either “deaf-hard of hearing,” or “deaf-late-deafened-hard of hearing-hearing” or “hard of hearing-not deaf enough”, and on and on… Wow!
We really are a diverse group of people!
However, the one thing that everyone seemed to agree on matches what I recently vlogged about. Does UNITY mean agreeing and /or being the same? No. It simply means MUTUAL RESPECT. Respecting each person with individual stories and needs. We all recognized that we need ACCESS to information and understanding, yet how we receive that access, and what access is fitting is different for each individual.
So, can we assume that close captions will cover everyone’s need for access to information? No, we can’t. For example, a Deaf person might say, “Well, I can read English, but it’s not my strength. I prefer information in ASL.” Yes, this could be true for some.
Still others might say, “Oh sure! I would love more information in ASL because I want to learn more about ASL, but I really don’t have much opportunity to mingle or socialize with Deaf people who use ASL. Therefore, I must depend on captions for access.”
That’s how it it. Anyway, my point is that we make up a diverse world. There is no one-size-fits-all anymore, even in our respective groups (D/deaf/hh/l-d… etc.). We’re just a mix!
I’m glad YOU are YOU, and I am Me. We are all HUMAN. We’re all made from the same DIVINE STUFF.
(Pause… yeah…)
We all BELONG.
(Bye ILY wave)
You Rock!! This is a new perspective on Deaf people… I admit I agree with you on this subject! Thanks for bringing it to us.
deafk
Left by deafk on June 22nd, 2008
Nice vlog! I love your signing style — so clear and precise!
Anyway, I feel that with the advent of technology in the past several years, things have somewhat gotten complicated. There’s no “black and white” issues. Laws have become more stricter, etc. So, nowadays, it is harder to figure out things, what we want, what our identities are, what our goals are, etc.
Left by Nita on June 22nd, 2008
LaRonda,
Yes, identity is more than just a label. We are all Deaf, but we are all people too — mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, friends, husbands, wives, etc. etc. To be Deaf does not mean one must become a “clone” of each other. But there is a simplicity to one’s identity when one can just say “I’m Deaf” than when one has to say “I’m Deaf/HH/late-Deaf/C.I. etc. etc.” If they could just accept calling themselves “Deaf” (but with their own personal “way” of being Deaf), they would feel so much better about themselves and we as a community would really be able to move on so much further!
Left by Don Grushkin on June 22nd, 2008
Hi Don.
Yes. That was my impression at the workshop as well: How easy it was when the “D” Deaf panelist shared his identity confidently while the others said they were kind of like a Deaf Heinz 57. Ha.
I agree that it would be easier if we all identified ourselves as Deaf with our own personal way of being Deaf. However, some of these deaf panelists identified themselves as hearing too, because they were once hearing or felt their CI’s gave them hearing.
We are all ONE and yet, we each have so many unique differences…It’s all pretty fascinating.
Thanks for your comment.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on June 22nd, 2008
Hi deafk and Nita.
Thank you both for your comments above. Yes, life has taken on more complexities and new perspectives. I think if we all remain open to those changes and yet honor each other as brothers and sisters in the human race, and treat one another with respect, it will go a long way.
Thanks for your thoughts.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on June 22nd, 2008
Comment »
Left by cnkatz on June 22nd, 2008
La Ronda,
You are a beautiful person. I look forward to respect among all kinds of deaf people in this world.
Don G,
I feel you are attempting to mold all of us to be like you. I am not you. I am me. You are you. I grew up big D and I enjoy the small d experience. My journey is different than yours.
LaRonda, thank you. You are my therapy.
Anna S
Left by anna s on June 22nd, 2008
Comment »
Left by LaRonda on June 22nd, 2008
LaRonda,
Thanks so much! I have been to many such workshops. I think one reason some late-deafened people hesitate to use the word deaf is because the definition of “deaf” can be so loaded. We’re always explaining that yes– we’re oral– and we don’t sign– but we can’t hear and blah-blah-blah. I’m not “deaf enough” to get a CI because of my good low tones, but I don’t consider myself HH because I can’t understand speech without visual cues even with my hearing aids in. I qualified for the new hybrid CI that is both a hearing aid (for the lows) and a CI (for the high tones) But it’s experimental and I’m not ready. I fit only MY definition of deaf, others would define me differently, but I do fall into a big gray void when it comes to labels, which is why I hate them so much.
I’m just me. Thanks again for this insightful blog.
My late-deafened group has learned to not only respect others who are differently labled within our deafness, but to respect each others’ definitions of their personal way of labeling themselves as well. In other words, if you call yourself deaf, then you are. If you have the same exact hearing threshold and call yourself HH, then that’s what you are. 
Left by kim on June 22nd, 2008
It seems that those of us who have witnessed such a diverse group, either at some gathering such as like the one you went to. May it be a conference, a panel, taskforce or whatever…we witness that and it helps give us a better perspective. It is the foundation where my current views come from. Which is why I’m more open to many things than I ever was 20 years ago. I think it’s great that you brought it up. However, I still do not and never will use D/d because I think it is demeaning. Just a view I have based on the original meaning and how the meaning have changed over the years.
I hope this message (diverse deaf community) continues to spread over, beyond today, by many more people. Thus, due to diverse deaf community out there, we need to also understand why certain communication access would include their needs as well.
Left by Candy on June 22nd, 2008
Hi Anna, Kim and Candy.
Thank you all for your comments and for validating the point that we each have our own way of identifying ourselves. Formulating our identity is an evolution of sorts, which some people call a journey. My observation at this particular workshop was that culturally Deaf individuals had no difficulty labeling themselves “D” Deaf. They were proud of that label and felt only pride. Yet the other deaf/hh panelists admitted to feeling shame at times, during their personal journeys, with hearing loss, or late-deafness. They admitted to struggling with their identities and fell into that gray area you spoke of, Kim. I understand this, because this was my experience as well during the first couple of years. I recognize that my identity and comfort level with calling myself Deaf now has been evolutionary. Gradually over time, and because I immersed myself into the culture and language of Deaf people, and because I chose a career that put me at work in the Deaf field, I have fully accepted myself as a Deaf person and i can say confidently that I am proud to be Deaf. And, I have such a diverse background that I can say, I have been hearing, HH, late-deafened, deaf and now Deaf.
Richness!
Lucky, lucky me. My own diversity is such a blessing because my empathy for others in all areas and in all their complexity is high and supportive. What a gift this journey has been for me! I hope it has been as rich for all of you as well.
Thank you for your kind comments.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on June 22nd, 2008
Heinz 57 is good stuff!
Great vlog/post!
Left by Karen Putz / DeafMom on June 22nd, 2008
LaRonda,
Thanks again for these kinds of blogs/vlogs; again, thanks for providing the transcripts/text of video along with your video in sign language. After all, I, like many others, are in the process of learning ASL or not yet fluent in it.
I think it is great to promote more awareness about the diversity among D/deaf people; I bet that informs and educates those who are hearing (as well as those of us with deafness). I think it’s more important that those of us with any degree of hearing loss respect one another and each person’s communication needs, experiences, culture, history, etc. Otherwise, we will continue to encounter lack of access, disrespect, etc from “others” (i.e. the hearing who discriminates; many hearing don’t discriminate and do want to and try to communicate with us). We will continue to encounter those who refuse to acknowledge, respect and accept us; we will continue to encounter those who refuse to listen to us (since they CAN hear) despite us constantly informing them of our communication needs, lack of access, etc.
I for one use various labels but not because I’m ashamed of my hearing loss or deafness; I use it for clarity depending on the situation, people I’m talking to and my communication needs. Some folks seem to understand some terms better and respond accordingly; others will always “challenge the validity” of any term I use regarding my hearing loss; it’s like I have to prove to them when, what, how and where I can’t hear! That’s unfair for any of us to encounter that from anyone.
But, regardless of someone else’s confusion about my hearing loss, I know what I need, I know that I can’t hear well; there are many things that I can’t hear at all.
Most importantly, regardless of any labels or whether or not others accept me, I know who I am. I use deaf, sometimes I use hard of hearing but I never attempt to hide or misrepresent my hearing loss; I make a point to inform all that I do not hear well; if necessary, I’ll tell them that my hearing loss is progressive. I am NOT (and never was) ashamed of my deafness/hearing loss. I encourage others to ask me questions if necessary, so that we can try to have better communication; that communication may take the shape in one of various forms or a combination of communication methods.
I don’t appreciate it when ANYONE (hearing or not hearing) interferes with my right to decide for myself what I need based on my own hearing loss, my own experiences, etc. I speak up to the hearing and if necessary to the D/deaf too. But, I prefer to be able to simply communicate with ALL people without having to fight for my right to do so.
Like I frequently say, and as you too say LaRonda: we all belong. Keep writing about MUTUAL RESPECT.
Left by Learning ASL on June 22nd, 2008
LaRonda, you’ve made me cry. Ever since my “Where I Am” post, I’ve been really uneasy because I really don’t know my status, but been unable to really get to say what I wanted in terms of WHY I couldn’t say it. With that out of the way, I think now I can begin to heal. Your post and Shelley’s have really lent support to my voice and I feel I’m not alone. Conforming has always been a want in my life, and here I am, not fitting into a box yet again *laughs* With time, I hope that I can accept just being me. Thank you for getting the road paved. *hugs*
Left by Dena on June 22nd, 2008
I like the way you say “We are made of the same stuff,” because that is diversely true.
You know what? In social circles people may feel self-conscious about fitting in, using the same language it is being used in the same room.
But only God is omnipresent, people are not. Let’s get the monkey off our backs that “somebody is watching us” in how we use language or have preference in communicating. I’d say, let’s be ourselves. What is important is that we utilize every situation that is also fitting for everyone else present. God takes pleasure in the diversity of this world, and in respecting each of their own kind is like a trolley into the Noah’s Ark, where everyone and every animal co-existed peacefully. The only thing that rocked was the flood waters, bar none.
For example, if I was in a classroom with all S.E.E. signers and I only feel comfortable signing rapidly in ASL, I would employ a Certified Deaf Interpreter, who can translate my hummingbird signing style into a more conventional mainstream style for the deaf class to completely digest. Make sense?
Here’s love to everyone, big “D” and small “d,” those who were born deaf, and those who are late-deafened.
We can all fit into one Ark, because God allows it.
Left by John Critser on June 22nd, 2008
I used to struggle with my ID, now I don’t, but it isn’t a ‘D’ ID, or a cultural one, and the only allusion to the ‘d’ label is what others give me, now, I’m just me. I’ll just take what I need from wherever. I think by far the biggest problem is trying to be what you aren’t. From an acquired deaf viewpoint, I would blame the systems in place, which assume if you are deaf then there is only one way you can go.
This created animosity where acquired and deafened and hard of hearing were pointed toward deaf culture as the next step, but without informing what was required, sensitivities to observe etc and of course without asking the cultural deaf if they minded others coming in who didn’t want to sign much or lip-read or who preferred oral means and CI’s, instead of providing the way in and leaving them to fight it out !
The only way basically is to stop telling us deaf culture and sign language is what suits. The system just wants to hustle us all into one place because it is easier for them,when we need a seperate support and communcation set up alltogether….. They were aided in part by the ‘all deaf people sign’ blag, which wasn’t true. Pessimistically Acquired deafened and others will NOT ‘fit in’ with deaf culture, co-exist perhaps… but there’s very little evidence of this taking place as each sector now, wants its own corner.
Once I realized acquired and deafened won’t fit into the cultural mode no matter how much sign we use, and went my own way, a lot of stress vanished. There are signs (!) a community of sorts is beginning to exist parallel to deaf culture with like finally finding their voice with like. We’ll end up with separate communities of the deaf by default. Maybe even a ‘deaf’ culture
Forced by an inability to find common ground if nothing else.
Left by MM on June 23rd, 2008
[...] A complex mixture of Deaf identities [...]
Left by Dr. DonG.’s Deafhood Discourses » What does it mean to be “Deaf”? on June 23rd, 2008
Comment »
Left by Jon Savage on June 23rd, 2008
Yes, the word “co-exist” is important too. We don’t have to negate another person’s identity, etc. to validate our own identity; that prohibits co-existence.
I think that we all have to really try and CO-EXIST in a diverse world whether the diversity is based on hearing or not hearing (or other issues i.e. race, gender, etc). All of us must try, not just a few of us or else we will never fully achieve “mutual respect” which requires both or all sides involved to earnestly attempt to productively participate in and contribute to a positive relationship. (Just one person or a few people/groups trying will not be sufficient or fair; it will be an unbalanced or one sided relationship. However, that could also be seen as a starting point for all of us since someone trying is better than no one trying.)
In my opinion, to benefit all, it must be an effort made by all people. We ALL need to co-exist and that requires respecting one another and accepting one another’s diversity, including the fact that many, if not all of us have diverse abilities, wants, needs, experiences, etc. That doesn’t necessarily mean that we always will like everyone or condone everything; it also doesn’t mean that we should fear losing our culture, values, etc. There is room for everyone.
We can’t forget that we ALL have commonalities and similarities and that can be our point of reference; a positive place to start.
Left by Learning ASL on June 23rd, 2008
[...] [...]
Left by DeafPulse.com - the one-stop pulse for all Deaf-related news and blogs. on June 24th, 2008
Wow reaeding this really made me think about people in general. growing up i a had always compared myself to my sibilings. from the body to the grades, even going into competion it was who could play better, who could get the attention, and most of all who pleased which parent better/ who was the favorite. As i grew up i had to relize that no matter what my siser was going to be her and i was going to be me. I can recall you telling me at one point that High School is a time of change…. well that’s true and during high school i found myself. I found a young women growing with many opportunitys. Not making everything come to a point but allowing myself to explore, find, and be me, Not comparing myself to others but finding out what i wanted, what i needed, and most of all who i wanted to be, not who everone else wanted me to be. It’s not just the deaf community that has different identityts we all do and we all have to learn to respect that. some maybe quite and hidden and others are loud and seen, but we all are special, we all are important, we all make up this world… if there was no you and me…. then there is no she and he….. without each other there is not culture, there is no diversity, there is no learning. Our history comes from one another and it comes from with in, starting with you and i.
It was well written that we all have our own personaltiys, and that it’s ok to be different. Looking back at school I found that when someone didn’t want you to sit at there table, or take the time to get to know you, it was there fault and there loss that they missed out on the chance to get to know a special person! a unique person! A person that can not be duplicated!
Love and miss you Laronda!
ILY
Left by Kay on June 25th, 2008
Wow, this vlog, opened my eyes a bit. I never knew that people out the Identity themselves as,
“deaf-hard of hearing,” or “deaf-late-deafened-hard of hearing-hearing” or “hard of hearing-not deaf enough”…”
I thought that was strange but I understand. For me, I am hoh and I’m proud of it! lol. Anyway that’s just me, but everyone should be proud of who they are I never look down on people because they are deaf, blind, in a wheelchair, etc. because if you are not proud of who you are as a person it does not get you anywhere in your quest for self-Identity. Also people make choices in life that other may not agree with, like for me some people think I should learn spanish because I am half puerto-rican but the fact is, I don’t know any spanish, I know a little german, french, and ASL but that was my choice to learn those languages. And thank you for providing the transcript as I am still learning ASL and thanks for putting up the quicktime video because youtube quality really sucks!
Left by Roberto on June 26th, 2008
Hi LaRonda! Thank you for the nice comment you left at my blog. Thank you as well for the link to your blog. I took great interest in your v/blog and saw that you shared mutual values with what I just wrote. Better yet, this group agreed on one thing…. and that is we all are human beings. I’ll emphasize that we all are related and we all are human beings first before we are anything else. Isn’t that sweet!
Best Regards,
Barry Sewell
Left by Dr Hocokan on July 3rd, 2008
TO: Fairlady and LeRonda
I met you both in the Live,Yahoo.com/Deafread Chat Room Live. Wow W ow You are a wonderfully friend to me in the Deaf Read chat Room. But I miss Fairlady and LeRonda just stop go to Deaf Read Chat Room. What Happen? I miss all of deafreadchat. I would like you know where I can find new Deaf Chat Room ?? Please Fairlady Or LeRonda would not make new live.yahoo.com/ ???? Senior Citizen . Thank you for a share God bless you . Happy Birthday July. But I miss my mom his on birthday on July 4th. wow. .
Whatever76
Left by Kathy on July 6th, 2008