This is widely growing. It has always been a huge debate. Currently so many doctors are referring hearing parents with newborn babies that are deaf-to a cochlear implant specialist.
People who specialize in cochlear implant will encourage every hearing parent that their child can be normal and hear normally with the use of cochlear implants.
Did you ever stop to think? At the end of the day, the child is still deaf. What if the cochlear needs to be adjusted? What if the child doesn't have it on? What if the child gets up in the middle of the night and is sick and goes to mom and dad, and doesn't have it on? What struggles do you face until its on?
Why not be able to sign, and communicate at the end of the day as a second option of communication?
I am a strong advocate of using sign with cochlear implant. It is my hope and goal that parents out there will realize that there is nothing wrong with sign language. If you are a parent, considering implant for your child, or your child already has one--please do consider teaching yourself and your child sign. At the end of the day, the cochlear does not make him/her hearing.
Lets communicate! www.projectnadine.org has a GIFT program, specifically designed to help your needs. Perhaps they can reference you. Perhaps they can give you guidence you would not otherwise recieve from a party that strongly advocates cochlear--without options of sign language. I do believe at the end of the day, you will be greatful for adding signs to cochlear implants. :) Feel free to comment, I would love to hear from you!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Using an interpreter for your business
The use of interpreters is growing. The need for interpreters continues to be at a high demand.
Some states continue to struggle. For those of us struggling, I mean 2 things, the amount of interpreters available, is low and 2, the stuggles with buisnesses to provide interpreters is very strong.
So many doctors, attnys, courts, etc do not see the upside to providing an interpreter for every deaf individual who requests one. This is a difficult time. Every patient, client or deaf individual deserves equal opportunity access.
Using a family member or a friend who can sign, does not suffice, nor is it recommended.
There are several reasons following this.
1-They may not know the correct terminology.
2-They may not be able to interpret correctly and provide all information as given.
3-They could intentionally leave out information if they do not agree with it.
4-They could give the information with changes that was not actually given.
5-They may not be able to interpret in a way the client truly understands.
The list goes on.
For this reason, interpreters are certified. They are qualified to be interpreting in these settings.
I do want you to know, there is a difference between qualified and certified.
Certified-they have been tested. They have been given their certification levels.
Qualified may be someone who is fluent-this would be dependent on whether the qualifications match the said deaf individual. While some interpreters are qualified to interpret for one deaf individual, this does not mean they are qualified to interpret for another.
So for those of you out there reading this, I won't go into the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) at this time, but if you are researching as to whether your business has to provide an interpreter, I strongly recommend you check out the ADA, as well, be aware of why you should hire one. Educate yourself and your business. :) In the long run, despite the costs, its worth it.
Be educated. Be smart. Be accessable!
Some states continue to struggle. For those of us struggling, I mean 2 things, the amount of interpreters available, is low and 2, the stuggles with buisnesses to provide interpreters is very strong.
So many doctors, attnys, courts, etc do not see the upside to providing an interpreter for every deaf individual who requests one. This is a difficult time. Every patient, client or deaf individual deserves equal opportunity access.
Using a family member or a friend who can sign, does not suffice, nor is it recommended.
There are several reasons following this.
1-They may not know the correct terminology.
2-They may not be able to interpret correctly and provide all information as given.
3-They could intentionally leave out information if they do not agree with it.
4-They could give the information with changes that was not actually given.
5-They may not be able to interpret in a way the client truly understands.
The list goes on.
For this reason, interpreters are certified. They are qualified to be interpreting in these settings.
I do want you to know, there is a difference between qualified and certified.
Certified-they have been tested. They have been given their certification levels.
Qualified may be someone who is fluent-this would be dependent on whether the qualifications match the said deaf individual. While some interpreters are qualified to interpret for one deaf individual, this does not mean they are qualified to interpret for another.
So for those of you out there reading this, I won't go into the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) at this time, but if you are researching as to whether your business has to provide an interpreter, I strongly recommend you check out the ADA, as well, be aware of why you should hire one. Educate yourself and your business. :) In the long run, despite the costs, its worth it.
Be educated. Be smart. Be accessable!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Interpreters for the Deaf
You know, it seems today that we have more and more students becoming interpreters---yet, because of VRS--we are losing our interpreters in the deaf community.
Either way--I am greatful for my interpreters. A recent discussion "Should we thank our interpreters?" YES!
I had a few that said "no"---Their reasoning was "They get paid. Why should we say thank you-when they are doing their job and they get paid to do it".
I'll tell u exactly why--Because they dont HAVE to be an interpreter and deal with those who have an ugly attitude. For those that accept assignments, whether freelance or via an agency--they can see your name, and not have to accept the assignment. If you choose to be ugly, and ungreatful--guess what--you may have a difficult time finding someone that wants to interpret for you.
Another reason is this: These interpreters have families. They may have children. They don't have to be on call at 11pm or 2am when you need to go to the emergency room. Many of them also have full time 8-5 jobs--whether its interpreting or working elsewhere. This takes away from their time with their spouses and children. Are they required to be on call? No. They're not. Their calls are their choices. So---be thankful! :)
Its important for us to thank our interpreters. It also encourages them to continue learning, to continuing to find ways to better and improve. We show them that we appreciate them, and in turn, they will appreciate us, and they'll feel motivated to take assignments with your name on it. :)
They work hard to reach these goals. There are requirements of them--here in Oklahoma they have to hold QAST certifications---and they cost money to achieve them. Show your interpreter some love today! :)
I LOVE MY TERPS! Thank you guys so much for all you do! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!! :)
Either way--I am greatful for my interpreters. A recent discussion "Should we thank our interpreters?" YES!
I had a few that said "no"---Their reasoning was "They get paid. Why should we say thank you-when they are doing their job and they get paid to do it".
I'll tell u exactly why--Because they dont HAVE to be an interpreter and deal with those who have an ugly attitude. For those that accept assignments, whether freelance or via an agency--they can see your name, and not have to accept the assignment. If you choose to be ugly, and ungreatful--guess what--you may have a difficult time finding someone that wants to interpret for you.
Another reason is this: These interpreters have families. They may have children. They don't have to be on call at 11pm or 2am when you need to go to the emergency room. Many of them also have full time 8-5 jobs--whether its interpreting or working elsewhere. This takes away from their time with their spouses and children. Are they required to be on call? No. They're not. Their calls are their choices. So---be thankful! :)
Its important for us to thank our interpreters. It also encourages them to continue learning, to continuing to find ways to better and improve. We show them that we appreciate them, and in turn, they will appreciate us, and they'll feel motivated to take assignments with your name on it. :)
They work hard to reach these goals. There are requirements of them--here in Oklahoma they have to hold QAST certifications---and they cost money to achieve them. Show your interpreter some love today! :)
I LOVE MY TERPS! Thank you guys so much for all you do! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!! :)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Caption/TV/Movies/Theatres
Oooh had a bit of frusteration the other nite! The Bachelor was on. I don't usually watch it, but friends said I should! So, I go to ABC, and check it out---lo and behold of all nights--no captioning!
There was nothign else on to watch. Captioning doesn't always work. So we miss shows for a variety of reasons. No captioning, or its messed up....---those of you who can hear, shld be greatful for your ears!
I never go to the theatres---because aroudn ehre there is no open captioning. We have a rearview captioned place in the city---but I've heard its horrible.
However, just for the special 3D effects---I took my kiddo and nephew to see Avatar. They're hearing so they got to enjoy the full benefits of the movie.
I on the otherhand....I wear glasses, so that was a bit of a struggle with glasses upon glasses. ha!
But it was fun! I enjoyed the 3D effects, it made it worth sitting through the movie! Tho i cannot wait till it comes out on DVD so I can understand what actually went on! I am not one who is satisfied with just an "idea". I gotta have the whole 9 yards!
Have you ever thought abt what it would eb like for you to sit through a movie---with the sound off? My guess is the hearing folk probably wouldn't even bother with anything that they couldn't hear!---I feel the same way! The 3D was an exception. :)
Well---here is to MarleeMatlin and NAD with great sucess in getting all online movies/streams CAPTIONED! (NAD-National Association of the Deaf) (for you hearing readers out there--and Marlee Matlin--deaf actress--tony award for the movie Children of a Lesser God--and an all around wonderful lady from what I can see on twitter!)
Until next time my dears!
There was nothign else on to watch. Captioning doesn't always work. So we miss shows for a variety of reasons. No captioning, or its messed up....---those of you who can hear, shld be greatful for your ears!
I never go to the theatres---because aroudn ehre there is no open captioning. We have a rearview captioned place in the city---but I've heard its horrible.
However, just for the special 3D effects---I took my kiddo and nephew to see Avatar. They're hearing so they got to enjoy the full benefits of the movie.
I on the otherhand....I wear glasses, so that was a bit of a struggle with glasses upon glasses. ha!
But it was fun! I enjoyed the 3D effects, it made it worth sitting through the movie! Tho i cannot wait till it comes out on DVD so I can understand what actually went on! I am not one who is satisfied with just an "idea". I gotta have the whole 9 yards!
Have you ever thought abt what it would eb like for you to sit through a movie---with the sound off? My guess is the hearing folk probably wouldn't even bother with anything that they couldn't hear!---I feel the same way! The 3D was an exception. :)
Well---here is to MarleeMatlin and NAD with great sucess in getting all online movies/streams CAPTIONED! (NAD-National Association of the Deaf) (for you hearing readers out there--and Marlee Matlin--deaf actress--tony award for the movie Children of a Lesser God--and an all around wonderful lady from what I can see on twitter!)
Until next time my dears!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Not recieving the next available appt due to lack of accomodations available:
Well its been a while since I've been on here. Today, on my mind is, the struggles that we face trying to obtain interpreters.
Usually we face obstacles in obtaining them, and recently we faced one, where one was forced upon us, blocking us from having instant access as a hearing person would have. Heres what happened:
One day, I walked into an office and requested an appt, and it was 2 weeks away...I requested an appt as soon as possible:
they say "Im sorry but we can't give you the next available appoiintment, you will have to wait 2 weeks so we can secure you an interpreter".
Me: "I am willing to forgo an interreter, I want the next available appointment". Them: "I am sorry, we cannot obligue you, as the law says we must provide you with an interpreter".
Me: "yes, when I request one, and when appointments are made in advance. However, I am in need and I have the same right as any person to have the next available appt and waive my right for an interpreter at this specific appointment".....
So annoying. Then, more recently, I went in to make an appt for my sister at her doctors because they were not answering the phone. I requested the next available appointment which was "tmw morning".....but they disagreed and said they need 2 weeks notice to provide an interpreter.
Me: "She is sick, she doesn't need to wait 2 weeks, she is willing to waive the right to an interpreter for this certain appointment".
Them: "Im sorry but deaf folks have been forcing us to follow the ADA Law, so we are required to provide an itnerpter"
Me: "Yes, you are, upon request. We are not requesting an interpreter--we would like one but we know its probably impossible to get an intepreter at this late of a notice, but she is sick and needs to be seen".....
Talk about the frusterations! If I culd only educate everyone! I am only one person. We can only educate one at a time, one by one. Even when workshops are given, they do not comply. Sometimes you just can't win. But educating little by little, eventually we will win.
Oklahoma is one of those who is very behind.
I lived in Oregon for a year and a half and did not have this struggle.
Our pastor and his wife moved here from New York City, and they said they too did not face this struggle.
Heres to educating OKLAHOMA!
Usually we face obstacles in obtaining them, and recently we faced one, where one was forced upon us, blocking us from having instant access as a hearing person would have. Heres what happened:
One day, I walked into an office and requested an appt, and it was 2 weeks away...I requested an appt as soon as possible:
they say "Im sorry but we can't give you the next available appoiintment, you will have to wait 2 weeks so we can secure you an interpreter".
Me: "I am willing to forgo an interreter, I want the next available appointment". Them: "I am sorry, we cannot obligue you, as the law says we must provide you with an interpreter".
Me: "yes, when I request one, and when appointments are made in advance. However, I am in need and I have the same right as any person to have the next available appt and waive my right for an interpreter at this specific appointment".....
So annoying. Then, more recently, I went in to make an appt for my sister at her doctors because they were not answering the phone. I requested the next available appointment which was "tmw morning".....but they disagreed and said they need 2 weeks notice to provide an interpreter.
Me: "She is sick, she doesn't need to wait 2 weeks, she is willing to waive the right to an interpreter for this certain appointment".
Them: "Im sorry but deaf folks have been forcing us to follow the ADA Law, so we are required to provide an itnerpter"
Me: "Yes, you are, upon request. We are not requesting an interpreter--we would like one but we know its probably impossible to get an intepreter at this late of a notice, but she is sick and needs to be seen".....
Talk about the frusterations! If I culd only educate everyone! I am only one person. We can only educate one at a time, one by one. Even when workshops are given, they do not comply. Sometimes you just can't win. But educating little by little, eventually we will win.
Oklahoma is one of those who is very behind.
I lived in Oregon for a year and a half and did not have this struggle.
Our pastor and his wife moved here from New York City, and they said they too did not face this struggle.
Heres to educating OKLAHOMA!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Deafness--with Family and Friends
My eyes are my ears. With my eyes, I "hear" the world. The other nite, I visited old friends--those I grew up with--when i could hear. Before my hearing was totally lost. Back in the time, when hearingaids were useful. Then, my hearing gradually declined, and I drifted apart, allowing my hearingloss to come between me, my family and my friends. Even tho I made new ones that I culd talk to more, I missed my friendships of young.
This past month, I got to renew these friendships. Staying int ouch is a great thing. I stopped for a quick visit with my grandma--who I struggle so hard to understand--I don't get to visit with her when my family gets together--they're all busy talking, and I cannot hear.
So last Friday, I visited for 45 mins. Alot of it was "lost", hard to follow, but still enjoyable--even though awkward. This is what I mean by drifting apart and allowing it to come between us. Then....I made a stop---to my childhood best friends house--I was nervous. I knew I wouldn't be rejected---but its soo hard to have a conversation continuously when no sign language is present.But I love her, and I missed her, and I wanted to make an effort to stay in touch, for my family and my childhood best freinds mean the world to me. So I stopped by. Somehow, we managed. 30 mins, a few repeats, but all went well :) Then...in the next town over, I stopped by her sisters, my other equally best childhood friend. Her sister---culd fingerspell and knew a few words in sign---so we visited for 2 hours!
I've learned cherish what we have. Hearingloss shldn't get in the way of family and friends. I've missed alot of time with my family, because I'm really shy, and I don't speak up, because of my hearingloss. I am trying to learn to live without regrets. Missed opportunities--we learn from them.
I don't regret being deaf. I recently learned my mom didn't want me to get the cochlear implant. She was told I would lose what I already had. So she made a wise decision. I am greatful. I love being deaf--I have no complaints. It doesn't matter that I miss out on wonderful sounds---like my childs voice--I miss it--I didn't get to hear his voice become deeper as he changes into a teenager.....like family conversations---but thats life, and we learn to deal with it, and we become positive about other things.
Thats my outlook on life, and I'm sticking to it. Make the best of what you have. The glass is half full-not half empty! :)
This past month, I got to renew these friendships. Staying int ouch is a great thing. I stopped for a quick visit with my grandma--who I struggle so hard to understand--I don't get to visit with her when my family gets together--they're all busy talking, and I cannot hear.
So last Friday, I visited for 45 mins. Alot of it was "lost", hard to follow, but still enjoyable--even though awkward. This is what I mean by drifting apart and allowing it to come between us. Then....I made a stop---to my childhood best friends house--I was nervous. I knew I wouldn't be rejected---but its soo hard to have a conversation continuously when no sign language is present.But I love her, and I missed her, and I wanted to make an effort to stay in touch, for my family and my childhood best freinds mean the world to me. So I stopped by. Somehow, we managed. 30 mins, a few repeats, but all went well :) Then...in the next town over, I stopped by her sisters, my other equally best childhood friend. Her sister---culd fingerspell and knew a few words in sign---so we visited for 2 hours!
I've learned cherish what we have. Hearingloss shldn't get in the way of family and friends. I've missed alot of time with my family, because I'm really shy, and I don't speak up, because of my hearingloss. I am trying to learn to live without regrets. Missed opportunities--we learn from them.
I don't regret being deaf. I recently learned my mom didn't want me to get the cochlear implant. She was told I would lose what I already had. So she made a wise decision. I am greatful. I love being deaf--I have no complaints. It doesn't matter that I miss out on wonderful sounds---like my childs voice--I miss it--I didn't get to hear his voice become deeper as he changes into a teenager.....like family conversations---but thats life, and we learn to deal with it, and we become positive about other things.
Thats my outlook on life, and I'm sticking to it. Make the best of what you have. The glass is half full-not half empty! :)
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