California's Independent Living Centers - Challenging The Misconceptions About The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- We often take our hearing for granted, but extending that to audism, the belief that hearing affords one a superior position to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, furthers misconceptions about deafness. Independent Living Centers (ILCs) fight every day against these misconceptions while sending the message that hearing is the only difference between people who are deaf and those who aren't. September is Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month, and with approximately 3 million deaf and hard of hearing individuals residing in California, ILCs like Rolling Start (RS) and the Service Center for Independent Life (SCIL) continue to educate the public about the misconceptions, including that most deaf or hard of hearing individuals read lips, can't talk or drive and need interpreters at all times.  

"These misconceptions are detrimental," said RS's Programs Manager Shannon McCroskey. "Not only are they not true, but they refute the basic understanding that someone who is deaf or hard of hearing does hear – they simply have a different way of hearing; they hear with their eyes and hands." 

RS provides services to more than 400 consumers in a three-county area, approximately 10 percent of whom are deaf or hard of hearing. Similar to other ILCs throughout the state, RS doesn't differentiate when it comes to providing core services to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing verses those who aren't. These services include independent living skills training, housing assistance, information and referral services, assistive technology services, peer counseling and more. Additionally, McCroskey works with deaf and hard of hearing consumers in job-seeking classes, with approximately 85 percent of them finding employment. She attributes this to the extra time spent with them to ensure they know how to request accommodations such an interpreter.

McCroskey has seen increased awareness by employers and others about deaf and hard of hearing individuals particularly given the accessibility of communicating through email, texting, instant messaging and amplified phones.  However, she still encounters significant misconceptions.

"RS is part of the Inland Empire where the California School for the Deaf, Riverside and Center on Deafness for the Inland Empire respectively reside; therefore, there is heightened awareness around the deaf community. However, I am still challenged to educate our communities," said McCroskey. "For example, some organizations and employers still tell deaf and hard of hearing individuals that they need to bring 'their interpreters' with them as if they have 'one in their back pockets.'"

According to McCroskey, there are definitely times when an interpreter is critical, for example, when interfacing with state agencies or the courts; but an interpreter isn't always needed. What is needed is an effective communication method. Although RS and SCIL provide interpreter services when requested, both McCroskey and SCIL's Deaf Services Specialist Michelle De Silva believe it's important to keep in mind most interpreters just interpret, while ILC staff helps consumers understand complex issues and navigate complex systems.

De Silva also sees employer misconceptions in action. For example, when individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing apply for a job, some employers think it will cost them more money because they will have to hire an interpreter or make costly modifications.

"Unfortunately, many employers don't understand the dynamics of working with a deaf person or the steps it may take," explains De Silva. "Consequently, it's much harder for the deaf and hard of hearing to get jobs, which is why we make an effort to educate employers whenever possible."

One way SCIL does this is through educational programs and workshops. For example, a workshop titled "World Views of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing," attended by 78 individuals, included both hearing and non-hearing individuals. The workshop focused on what it means to be deaf and what individuals and employers can do to effectively interact with people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Education is critical at all levels, including for family members whose misconceptions can be isolating. This is particularly true with the belief that people who are deaf can't drive. McCroskey is reminded of a young woman, who has a job and uses public transportation but wants to get a driver's license, and whose father is terrified of her becoming too independent. The misconception kicks in and the question is raised – "How can she drive – she's deaf?"

"I get this question more than you can imagine," said McCroskey. "I explained to the parents that my job is to help her prepare for her license, but the Department of Motor Vehicles decides if she can drive and plenty of deaf and hard of hearing individuals drive. I am here to offer a voice for choice."

For McCroskey, there is one more misconception she'd like to put a dent in – that ILCs are board and care homes. ILCs provide services and advocate on behalf of individuals living with disabilities to remain independent.  For example, RS and SCIL help deaf and hard of hearing individuals remain in their homes by providing assistive technology, relevant resources and training.  They also make homes more accessible with doorbells, phones and smoke detectors that vibrate and have flashing lights. And they offer assistance to help deaf and hard of hearing individuals find accessible, affordable housing and provide landlord/tenant mediation.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month, RS will be participating in Riverside's Deaf Awareness Week Kick-Off, which provides opportunities for the deaf and hearing communities to interact. 

The California State Independent Living Council (SILC) is an independent state agency which, in cooperation with the California State Department of Rehabilitation, prepares and monitors the State Plan for Independent Living.

The SILC Mission: To Create Policy and System Change for Independent Living

SOURCE California State Independent Living Council (SILC)

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