Hey guys,

I was just wondering if there was any other deaf members on here. You all know I'm deaf and I'm damn proud of it. But some one mentioned that I added a bit of diversity to this club which leads me to think, "Am I the only one?"

And I wanted to know what'* your opinions on them and any myths you've heard of but was too afraid to ask. I can answer them. Don't be shy and I don't get offended at inquires as long they ain't racist.

You're deaf? Had no idea.

Are you completely deaf or just deaf enough you can't hear well? Were you deaf from birth or something that happened after that.

I'm profoundly deaf which means I hear squat. I have never heard anything. I was born that way. I don't think it'* herediatary because I'm the only one that was born deaf.

My wife would say I'm selecitvely deaf, does that count for anything?

i imagine you must have good lip reading skills, because you seem really independant and outgoing, something i wouldnt think that somone dependant on sign language would be

This is cool. I've figured out from your posts that you were deaf. But the cool part, is that i have never had anyone that I was comfortable asking questions. If it gets annoying lemme know.

You seem enthusiastic enough to go to a bfest...I can see it happening. I'm not discouraging it, but how do you communicate when you are in larger group of people? Like when the group goes to dinner, how do you not become disinterested in the conversation and .... fall asleep or what ever? Or even like when you go shopping, communicating with clerks and what not.

And do you live alone? I suppose telemarketers don't bother you. Do you use e-mail and stuff to talk to your family?

And do you have a job? What types of jobs have you had?

I'm really sorry...I got a little over excited about this. I'll stop now...

Will hear-aids ever help you?

Jack, no that does not count for anything. Nice try

yeah I have pretty good lipreading skills. I also can write too Everyone around here thinks I'm so independent because i'm wanting to go out and socialize, that cannot be said of other deaf people.



Don't apologize, I enjoy answering questions like those so that when I attend a bfest, people won't walk away, instead they'll know what to do.

Okay I'll go in order of your questions.

When I'm in a large group, I try to encourage people to talk one at a time so I can either lipread or if he/she signs, I can watch him/her. If I'm unable to lipread (happens when you have a mustache or a beard, or you're smiling excessively, or laughing or mumble so avoid those) I'll ask some one to tell me either by sign language or paper
If people won't do those simple requests, I just ignore them and eat or do something else.

When a clerk approaches me, if I don't want to be disturbed (you know sometimes they nag you) I'll just stare at them . But if I do have a question, I often carry a paper and a pen and I'll just write down my questions. And if they're asking me something, I can usually lipread them easily.

I'm only 18 and I haven't yet moved out, but I'm moving out this fall when i move to NY, but if a hearing person was to call me, they'll have to call a relay service which will connect to my TTY. But if you were deaf, all you have to do is dial the number and the TTY will connect to my TTY. I use text messaging or email.

Unfortunately, I have never held a job, why, I tried to apply for one, they turned me away and refused to give me a interview (even though they really needed a worker) becuase I was deaf and they didn't want to pay an interpreter for my training. It'* the law for a employeer to provide a handicapped employee a means of communication or whatever.

I hope I answered the way you wanted it, Logan.

And Bjjoh, they don't help me, I'm beyond the level for hearing aids to help. That'* fine really, I hated them anyway.

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