What matters deafness of the ears, when the mind hears?

One thing which may stand the deaf employee in good stead, but one which is also too often overlooked by employers, is the simple fact that the typical deaf worker (like Erin in her essay below) is usually more attentive and focussed during work. We have to, else we might miss out on information. 

Now in the real world, I still have to work harder than my peers. Not because I’m proving myself to them, but to myself. It’s interesting because I find myself working more than them because they’re able to talk while they work. Of course, I can’t really do that. I envy hearing workers because they can talk to one another without having to look at each other or talk on the phone instead of having to wait for an email from one of the executive directors. But you know we all still do the work, we all have to make sure it is done. The deadlines are no joke here.

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Ridor "Probably the most controversial Deaf blogger in America" argues that the driving force behind legislation providing for the needs and rights of the deaf/HOH community is the Deaf. And he is peeved about the term HOH. Rightfully so or otherwise? It’s your call.

If you look at the history within the Deaf Communities across the nation. It was Deaf people, mainly the ones with ASL users, who pushed for the changes in Deaf Education and living standards for all. It was us who pushed for the closed captioning on televisions, TDDs and yes, relay services. It was us who ultimately founded the NAD and state associations of the deaf across the nation when the companies and governments started to debate whether if we have the right to get insurance, driver’s license et al. It was us that pushed the state governments to set up the state commissions of the deaf across the nation in order to serve as information, referral and advocacy for all Deaf people.

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