[nfb-db] Definition of Deafblind? was new person

[Scott Davert]

I would agree with Elizabeth's functional definition. Also, it's
possible to identify as medically deaf-blind, meaning that you have
the physical conditions but not the cultural identity. If you choose
to identify as deaf-blind, then you are. I've known of people who have
actually tried to say they were socially deaf-blind without meeting
the functional or medical definition, which I don't really see as
valid, but that's my own personal opinion on the matter.
Elizabeth: do you know Jeff
Bohrman? I notice you have a 614 area code, which I believeis
Columbus, which is where he lives and works. he's also deaf-blind.

It's great to see activity on this list!!
Scott

On 7/12/12, Sammons, Elizabeth <Elizabeth.Sammons at rsc.ohio.gov> wrote:
> Dear Gerardo and others on the list,
>
> First, Gerardo, hello, and I really want to compliment you on your perfect
> English, as a former English teacher! I am always happy when we have
> international writers on the list.
>
> I will try to give a very short answer to a big question regarding
> definitions. There are medical or legal definitions commonly used in Social
> Security and in the medical world. While important, these are not the only
> definitions used. In today's rehabilitation world, which is where I work,
> (Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission,) we define disability
> functionally. That is, what can you do, and what can't you do?
>
> I am going to quote below directly from one of our publications
>
>
> What is a functional impairment, and how do we define it?
> It involves looking at disability by results of that disability, not the
> impairment per se.
> The severity of a disability is judged by how many limitations there are
> that affect someone's ability to find or keep a job.
>
> Functional impairments stem from a disability but are played out in real
> life in effects on:
>         Communication, (exchanging information, written or spoken ideas)
>         Interpersonal skills, (soft skills someone uses to get along on the
> job, including relationships, behaviors, etc.)
> Mobility, (transportation, help from others, room modifications,
> orientation, etc.)
> Self care, (at home or on the job, for physical or cognitive safety and
> health needs.)
> Self direction, (planning, problem solving, concentrating on a goal, etc.)
>  Work tolerance, capacity and endurance (requiring special accommodations
> for safety or job completion because of physical or psychological
> restrictions.)
> Work skills, (learning and performing the tasks of the job.)
>
> I hope this helps a little bit in continuing the discussion. In a nutshell,
> if you have difficulty doing certain things that require vision or hearing,
> or you can no longer do these things, you have an impairment.
>
>
> Best wishes, and if you need to contact me off line, feel free,
> Elizabeth S.
>
>
>
> Elizabeth L. Sammons
> Assistant, Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
> 614.466.9844  X. 3644
>
> Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission -
> www.rsc.ohio.gov<http://www.rsc.ohio.gov/>
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