[nfb-db] nfb-db Digest, Vol 42, Issue 36

Fri Jul 27 21:20:05 UTC 2012

Janice, Scott, Geraldo, and All:

My heart aches for all deaf blind people in terms of the isolation we feel.  I went for many years not knowing there were others like me.  I am thankful every day for our Division.  I am truly fortunate to have had successful bilateral cochlear implant surgeries, so that the problem is alleviated; but I will forever remain committed to the finding a solution for the isolation that plagues us.

I've spoken about SSPs before to some of you, and I would truly appreciate your feedback.  Many DB people I know from the Deaf culture use SSPs that are paid for with public funds.  I have enjoyed the use of an SSP for over two years.  Based on my experience, there is no technological substitute for an SSP when we need one in social situations.  I believe that coupled with deaf-blind communicators, the role of an SSSP is perfect for those of us who have not yet learned to sign.

I believe that if we in the Division pooled our resources, we could educate the Federation, get them behind us, and approach Congress to request the funding of a nationwide SSP program.

I would like to hear from you guys how you feel about this.  I'd also like to answer any questions yu have concerning my experience with an SSP.

I know there are better solutions for us than those we are struggling with today.  The Federation has a proud history of promoting independence for blind people.  But it also promotes equality.  I don't believe those of us who are hearing impaired can enjoy equality with our brothers and sisters who are blind until we have the support we need as deaf-blind federationists.  It will require more tan the technology we're using now.

With warmest regards,

Cathy Miller

Sent from my iPad

On Jul 27, 2012, at 10:35 AM, nfb-db-request at nfbnet.org wrote:

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> Today's Topics:
> 
>   1. Social situations with normal people (Janice Toothman)
>   2. Re: Social situations with normal people (Scott Davert)
>   3. FCC publishes consumer guide to the National deaf-blind
>      equipment distribution program (Scott Davert)
>   4. Re: Social situations with normal people (GERARDO CORRIPIO FLORES)
>   5. Re: Social situations with normal people (Janice Toothman)
>   6. Re: Social situations with normal people (Gerardo Corripio)
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:05:30 -0400
> From: Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
> Message-ID: <501178DA.1070406 at verizon.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
> 
> I get frustrated by those people who knew me growing up and assume I am 
> being rude to them when I don't say "Hi" to them after they have said 
> "Hi" to me. Do I always have to explain to people that I am not being 
> rude or trying to brush them off but that I honestly didn't hear them 
> because I am deaf and that I didn't see them because I am blind. How do 
> you go to social events where the majority are sighted and your the only 
> deaf-blind person and you can't make sense of the person your having a 
> conversation with because of all the other noises/conversions going on 
> in the room?
> 
> I feel very isolated from my peers because I cannot hear conversations 
> in a classroom when others are talking as well. Similarly family 
> gatherings do not have usual anticipation at going to these events has 
> diminished greatly due to my deaf-blindness.
> This is a challenge for me when I go back to school. The University 
> offers me transcribers for my class but they write the "gist" of what is 
> said and often leave out important dates and names of authors. Also, I 
> do not receive this transcription in real time but within 24-36 hours 
> after the class has ended.
> Unfortunately, when I go to conventions I have to rely on my FM system 
> and a digital recorder.
> Has anyone else had problems problems in social situations.
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 2
> Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:10:05 -0400
> From: Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
> Message-ID:
>    <CAOHXxEbwtzfhrEF8YmoALoqr_C-rdttx+PRmpKOhpQcNEPVgZg at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
> 
> Hi janice.
> I've had the same struggles as you have, and my social life has
> suffered greatly. I've become an intravert because of this.
> I understand also not being able to always hear or see someone when
> they say hello to me, and wish that I could offer some suggestions as
> to ways of dealing with this. But these are other people we're talking
> about, people who have their own actions, thoughts, and assumptions.
> All you can do is explain it to them and hope they understand. No
> matter what audiological equipment you use, it's never going to be as
> good as what would be considered normal hearing. The only way I've
> found to deal with my extrovertedness, is to have small gatherings of
> like 2 or 3 others, which makes it easier as long as you're not in a
> noisey environment. But I fit in nowhere. I have a hard time with
> speech and don't know enough sign language. I'm trying to learn sign
> language now, but the politics and all the bs surrounding it is making
> that difficult. So I just keep pushing on and do the best I can and
> live with it. What other choice do I have?
> 
> Scott
> 
> On 7/26/12, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:
>> I get frustrated by those people who knew me growing up and assume I am
>> being rude to them when I don't say "Hi" to them after they have said
>> "Hi" to me. Do I always have to explain to people that I am not being
>> rude or trying to brush them off but that I honestly didn't hear them
>> because I am deaf and that I didn't see them because I am blind. How do
>> you go to social events where the majority are sighted and your the only
>> deaf-blind person and you can't make sense of the person your having a
>> conversation with because of all the other noises/conversions going on
>> in the room?
>> 
>> I feel very isolated from my peers because I cannot hear conversations
>> in a classroom when others are talking as well. Similarly family
>> gatherings do not have usual anticipation at going to these events has
>> diminished greatly due to my deaf-blindness.
>> This is a challenge for me when I go back to school. The University
>> offers me transcribers for my class but they write the "gist" of what is
>> said and often leave out important dates and names of authors. Also, I
>> do not receive this transcription in real time but within 24-36 hours
>> after the class has ended.
>> Unfortunately, when I go to conventions I have to rely on my FM system
>> and a digital recorder.
>> Has anyone else had problems problems in social situations.
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:13:46 -0400
> From: Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [nfb-db] FCC publishes consumer guide to the National
>    deaf-blind equipment distribution program
> Message-ID:
>    <CAOHXxEYH7cErxGHhHGS6qrngqVWTvEmGKqDFpECKaZAN1RP31g at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
> 
> The FCC published a new Consumer Guide that provides a description and
> summary of the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program
> (NDBEDP).
> 
> The Guide is available online in two versions:
> 
> HTML ? http://www.fcc.gov/guides/national-deaf-blind-equipment-distribution-program
> 
> PDF ? http://transition.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/NDBEDP.pdf
> 
> For this or any other consumer publication in an accessible format
> (electronic text, Microsoft Word, Braille, large print or audio),
> please send an email to FCC504 at fcc.gov; call 1-888-CALL-FCC
> (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; or
> write to:
> 
> Federal Communications Commission
> Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
> Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
> 445 12th Street, S.W.
> Washington, DC 20554
> 
> 
> Scott Davert, MA, VRT
> Senior Instructor, Adaptive Technology Department and Communications
> Learning Center
> Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults (HKNC)
> 141 Middle Neck Rd.
> Sands Point NY, 11050
> 516-944-8900 ext. 322 (Voice)
> scott.davert at hknc.org
> www.hknc.org
> 
> 
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> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 4
> Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:41:41 -0500
> From: GERARDO CORRIPIO FLORES <gera1027 at gmail.com>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
> Message-ID:
>    <CAMxgdKJDNXPH7pb+ptR2Y7QzZNvLhem0TYo-kaS=KGdO3Sz++w at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
> 
> Wow! what a great topic! Though I'm not deafblind (I have 70% hearing
> loss and use hearing aids) I prefer small social gatherings of two
> three or up to five people at most. ABout fm transmiters, I used to
> use one some years ago but only used it in school since I'd like to
> appear as most regular as possible. Keep on this great topic!
> 
> 2012/7/26, Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>:
>> Hi janice.
>> I've had the same struggles as you have, and my social life has
>> suffered greatly. I've become an intravert because of this.
>> I understand also not being able to always hear or see someone when
>> they say hello to me, and wish that I could offer some suggestions as
>> to ways of dealing with this. But these are other people we're talking
>> about, people who have their own actions, thoughts, and assumptions.
>> All you can do is explain it to them and hope they understand. No
>> matter what audiological equipment you use, it's never going to be as
>> good as what would be considered normal hearing. The only way I've
>> found to deal with my extrovertedness, is to have small gatherings of
>> like 2 or 3 others, which makes it easier as long as you're not in a
>> noisey environment. But I fit in nowhere. I have a hard time with
>> speech and don't know enough sign language. I'm trying to learn sign
>> language now, but the politics and all the bs surrounding it is making
>> that difficult. So I just keep pushing on and do the best I can and
>> live with it. What other choice do I have?
>> 
>> Scott
>> 
>> On 7/26/12, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:
>>> I get frustrated by those people who knew me growing up and assume I am
>>> being rude to them when I don't say "Hi" to them after they have said
>>> "Hi" to me. Do I always have to explain to people that I am not being
>>> rude or trying to brush them off but that I honestly didn't hear them
>>> because I am deaf and that I didn't see them because I am blind. How do
>>> you go to social events where the majority are sighted and your the only
>>> deaf-blind person and you can't make sense of the person your having a
>>> conversation with because of all the other noises/conversions going on
>>> in the room?
>>> 
>>> I feel very isolated from my peers because I cannot hear conversations
>>> in a classroom when others are talking as well. Similarly family
>>> gatherings do not have usual anticipation at going to these events has
>>> diminished greatly due to my deaf-blindness.
>>> This is a challenge for me when I go back to school. The University
>>> offers me transcribers for my class but they write the "gist" of what is
>>> said and often leave out important dates and names of authors. Also, I
>>> do not receive this transcription in real time but within 24-36 hours
>>> after the class has ended.
>>> Unfortunately, when I go to conventions I have to rely on my FM system
>>> and a digital recorder.
>>> Has anyone else had problems problems in social situations.
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:26:52 -0400
> From: Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net>
> To: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
> Message-ID: <5011C42C.8030000 at verizon.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
> 
> Gerardo,
> If I may ask, were you afraid of the stigma of being labeled hearing 
> impaired or deaf? or was if something else that prompted you to refrain 
> from using your FM receiver. I know that for me it is always a struggle 
> not wanting to appear different from others yet having a desire to not 
> only learn but also to be heard. Because of the stigma of deaf-blindness 
> I often did not want draw attention to my needs in a classroom. The 
> result was that I could not fully participate in the class and the 
> teacher did not know why so I was graded down with respect to 
> participation. It is an awful responsibility to be the counseling 
> departments first deaf-blind student. This means I must educate my 
> professors and classmates not only about deaf-blindness and what we can 
> do with the proper training and technology.
> Janice
> On 7/26/2012 2:41 PM, GERARDO CORRIPIO FLORES wrote:
>> Wow! what a great topic! Though I'm not deafblind (I have 70% hearing
>> loss and use hearing aids) I prefer small social gatherings of two
>> three or up to five people at most. ABout fm transmiters, I used to
>> use one some years ago but only used it in school since I'd like to
>> appear as most regular as possible. Keep on this great topic!
>> 
>> 2012/7/26, Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>:
>>> Hi janice.
>>> I've had the same struggles as you have, and my social life has
>>> suffered greatly. I've become an intravert because of this.
>>> I understand also not being able to always hear or see someone when
>>> they say hello to me, and wish that I could offer some suggestions as
>>> to ways of dealing with this. But these are other people we're talking
>>> about, people who have their own actions, thoughts, and assumptions.
>>> All you can do is explain it to them and hope they understand. No
>>> matter what audiological equipment you use, it's never going to be as
>>> good as what would be considered normal hearing. The only way I've
>>> found to deal with my extrovertedness, is to have small gatherings of
>>> like 2 or 3 others, which makes it easier as long as you're not in a
>>> noisey environment. But I fit in nowhere. I have a hard time with
>>> speech and don't know enough sign language. I'm trying to learn sign
>>> language now, but the politics and all the bs surrounding it is making
>>> that difficult. So I just keep pushing on and do the best I can and
>>> live with it. What other choice do I have?
>>> 
>>> Scott
>>> 
>>> On 7/26/12, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:
>>>> I get frustrated by those people who knew me growing up and assume I am
>>>> being rude to them when I don't say "Hi" to them after they have said
>>>> "Hi" to me. Do I always have to explain to people that I am not being
>>>> rude or trying to brush them off but that I honestly didn't hear them
>>>> because I am deaf and that I didn't see them because I am blind. How do
>>>> you go to social events where the majority are sighted and your the only
>>>> deaf-blind person and you can't make sense of the person your having a
>>>> conversation with because of all the other noises/conversions going on
>>>> in the room?
>>>> 
>>>> I feel very isolated from my peers because I cannot hear conversations
>>>> in a classroom when others are talking as well. Similarly family
>>>> gatherings do not have usual anticipation at going to these events has
>>>> diminished greatly due to my deaf-blindness.
>>>> This is a challenge for me when I go back to school. The University
>>>> offers me transcribers for my class but they write the "gist" of what is
>>>> said and often leave out important dates and names of authors. Also, I
>>>> do not receive this transcription in real time but within 24-36 hours
>>>> after the class has ended.
>>>> Unfortunately, when I go to conventions I have to rely on my FM system
>>>> and a digital recorder.
>>>> Has anyone else had problems problems in social situations.
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 6
> Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:34:24 -0500
> From: "Gerardo Corripio" <gera1027 at gmail.com>
> To: "'NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List'" <nfb-db at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: Re: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
> Message-ID: <00d701cd6c0d$4dc51a30$e94f4e90$@com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"
> 
> I think the wanting to appear as normal as possible; all my life I've grown
> up with blindness being the only disability since with my hearing aids I'm
> able to hear OK.
> 
> -----Mensaje original-----
> De: nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfb-db-bounces at nfbnet.org] En nombre
> de Janice Toothman
> Enviado el: Jueves, 26 de Julio de 2012 17:27
> Para: NFB Deaf-Blind Division Mailing List
> Asunto: Re: [nfb-db] Social situations with normal people
> 
> Gerardo,
> If I may ask, were you afraid of the stigma of being labeled hearing 
> impaired or deaf? or was if something else that prompted you to refrain 
> from using your FM receiver. I know that for me it is always a struggle 
> not wanting to appear different from others yet having a desire to not 
> only learn but also to be heard. Because of the stigma of deaf-blindness 
> I often did not want draw attention to my needs in a classroom. The 
> result was that I could not fully participate in the class and the 
> teacher did not know why so I was graded down with respect to 
> participation. It is an awful responsibility to be the counseling 
> departments first deaf-blind student. This means I must educate my 
> professors and classmates not only about deaf-blindness and what we can 
> do with the proper training and technology.
> Janice
> On 7/26/2012 2:41 PM, GERARDO CORRIPIO FLORES wrote:
>> Wow! what a great topic! Though I'm not deafblind (I have 70% hearing
>> loss and use hearing aids) I prefer small social gatherings of two
>> three or up to five people at most. ABout fm transmiters, I used to
>> use one some years ago but only used it in school since I'd like to
>> appear as most regular as possible. Keep on this great topic!
>> 
>> 2012/7/26, Scott Davert <scottdavert at gmail.com>:
>>> Hi janice.
>>> I've had the same struggles as you have, and my social life has
>>> suffered greatly. I've become an intravert because of this.
>>> I understand also not being able to always hear or see someone when
>>> they say hello to me, and wish that I could offer some suggestions as
>>> to ways of dealing with this. But these are other people we're talking
>>> about, people who have their own actions, thoughts, and assumptions.
>>> All you can do is explain it to them and hope they understand. No
>>> matter what audiological equipment you use, it's never going to be as
>>> good as what would be considered normal hearing. The only way I've
>>> found to deal with my extrovertedness, is to have small gatherings of
>>> like 2 or 3 others, which makes it easier as long as you're not in a
>>> noisey environment. But I fit in nowhere. I have a hard time with
>>> speech and don't know enough sign language. I'm trying to learn sign
>>> language now, but the politics and all the bs surrounding it is making
>>> that difficult. So I just keep pushing on and do the best I can and
>>> live with it. What other choice do I have?
>>> 
>>> Scott
>>> 
>>> On 7/26/12, Janice Toothman <janice.toothman at verizon.net> wrote:
>>>> I get frustrated by those people who knew me growing up and assume I am
>>>> being rude to them when I don't say "Hi" to them after they have said
>>>> "Hi" to me. Do I always have to explain to people that I am not being
>>>> rude or trying to brush them off but that I honestly didn't hear them
>>>> because I am deaf and that I didn't see them because I am blind. How do
>>>> you go to social events where the majority are sighted and your the only
>>>> deaf-blind person and you can't make sense of the person your having a
>>>> conversation with because of all the other noises/conversions going on
>>>> in the room?
>>>> 
>>>> I feel very isolated from my peers because I cannot hear conversations
>>>> in a classroom when others are talking as well. Similarly family
>>>> gatherings do not have usual anticipation at going to these events has
>>>> diminished greatly due to my deaf-blindness.
>>>> This is a challenge for me when I go back to school. The University
>>>> offers me transcribers for my class but they write the "gist" of what is
>>>> said and often leave out important dates and names of authors. Also, I
>>>> do not receive this transcription in real time but within 24-36 hours
>>>> after the class has ended.
>>>> Unfortunately, when I go to conventions I have to rely on my FM system
>>>> and a digital recorder.
>>>> Has anyone else had problems problems in social situations.
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> nfb-db mailing list
>>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> nfb-db mailing list
>> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
>> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nfb-db mailing list
> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> _______________________________________________
> nfb-db mailing list
> nfb-db at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-db_nfbnet.org
> 
> 
> End of nfb-db Digest, Vol 42, Issue 36
> **************************************