Web Empowers a Deaf-Blind Individual

» scottishgirl - Great Article!

Having been hearing-impaired as a child (I've since had surgery and regained most of my hearing.) I've always had an interest in deaf culture. This article reinforces my belief that computer communication may be the "Great Equalizer". No longer will physical disabilities be an automatic impediment to learning, teaching or socializing.

I've seen the look of relief on the faces of deaf individuals I've met when they're having difficulty in communicating in public, and I sign "May I help you with something?" It's like being in Outer Mongolia and meeting someone from Wisconsin who knows the language and can help you. I can only imagine the look on the face of a previously isolated child as she is introduced to the 'Net for the first time! It must be like entering Wonderland!

Thanks for the great interview and article, Glenda! Well done!

-- posted by scottishgirl

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» pantazis5 - nice article.

enjoyed reading this.

Are we allowed to link up our sites here on Suite101? I am the special education contributor. I would like to put a link for this on my page can we do that? I am learning the ropes.

mary ellen

-- posted by pantazis5

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» biogardener - Liberation

I can answer Mary Ellen's question. Suite editors all love to be linked on other sites, because it gives us greater exposure. I certainly like all the links I can get.

I can identify with this article even though, on the surface, I do not appear to have any handicap. A motor vehicle accident robbed me of my career as an educator 18 years ago. I suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder and am not able to deal with the stress which many face-to-face situation bring with them. You are right, the Internet is a great equalizer. It allows me to turn my back on stress. There is no need to deal with people who upset me, because I can ignore them, and I do.

My injury also caused hearing and vision problems. I suffer from tinnitus and focus which comes and goes. I took to lip reading quite quickly. I love Internet chats, because there I don't have to keep telling people to look at me when they talk. I have my own computer and can set the resolution as low as possible, so that the lack of focus is not a problem. And when I get too stressed from the continuous concentration, I simply go to sleep for a while, because no one tells me what kind of schedule to keep.

-- posted by biogardener

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