I ,as a hearing person would love to be a voice for the deaf world. I think that’s part of understanding my future job. This website is definitly a starting point for most deaf people but my question to everyone is how do you get the low functioning deaf to want to better themselves and not depend on SSI or any other service? If that is the only thing that is taught from day one, how will or how can we encourage those to want to do more than just sit at home?

An idea as to how we could start to get this developement on a roll is to have a “meeting” as deaf professionals have now in the beginning of the month…perhaps we could have a meeting about ways to get an organization started for Houston.

Like Billy said… put your differences aside, accept others opinions;otherwise we’d have a dull world if we all thought the same.

As for Angela’s comments, We certainly have our own flaws, but it is our responsibility… in fact, it ought to be everyone’s responsibility to turn flaws into opportunities. We’re not sitting back and let this stereotype get the best of us. In the society we live in, we all know there is much more emphasis on the negative than positive which ought to be changed. That should drive us to do better and rectify the negative perceptions.

Now in your response Angela – granted the “Deaf Community” is VERY diverse. I know of plenty of professional deaf individuals. But keep in mind – we all come from diverse background so its not about just educating the “HEARING” community but the “DEAF” community as well. Both sides need to be educated so we both can benefit from it. And as for SSDI – I do have an opinion on it but I’m not going to discuss it here – because my main thing is – focusing on building an advocacy center that can educate the community and hopefully show them and as well show the hearing population on what the deaf community capability is.

Here is one problem, you indicated you tried to educate the hearing community – the problem here is you are ONE person. This is why having a advocacy center and a community of supporter – it is much LOUDER than just one person. And that will take up more notice than just having one person. Granted we will always be stereotyped and remember even people of races get stereotyped but that is something we all as Americans have to deal with. It is not only a disability issue or a deaf issue but it is also an American Issue. Granted I have some hearing friends who are of hispanic ethics and yet they sometime do the same thing as what we deaf people do. But is it their fault? They are HARD WORKING folks but they don’t always have the luxury that some other folks do.

But point being is if we can we should – because we are helping others. This is a really good discussion and this is an important stepping block into moving forward into something for our community. But with the way the economy is – for some individuals its the best route for them at this time. But this is also why we as professional adults also NEED to intervene into the YOUNG DEAF child’s minds to show and educate them what they CAN accomplish. Keep in mind – back in the 80’s it is was a norm for deaf people to be off SSDI or SSI because that was the norm. Because the people that they looked up to they were also on SSDI/SSI. So this is why this is an opportunity we as working individuals (not just professionals but any working person) can expose to the deaf child and say “Look! You can do this! I’m doing it and so can you!” Rome wasn’t built in a day! So the Deaf Community Support/Etc is not going to be built in a day! It might take YEARS before we will have something stable – but we must bond together and work together regardless of our opinions and differences and make Houston a place where more deaf people would want to be! Make Houston a better living place for the Deaf and hard of Hearing community overall!

Keep in mind everyone is entitled to their own opinions and we all need to remember we dont always have to agree with it. But we should at least respect their opinions. Differences in opinions are good – you do not want the same opinions all the time because it can be your downfall.

I’m in full agreement with you in the necessesity of out reach and advocacy. However, please note that there will be sacrifice. Since I first fell in love with the culture, I’ve done everything in my power to further educate other hearing persons as to the abilities, needs, strengths, etc of the Deaf culture.

As we all know, though, there are some within the culture that give the Deaf community a horrible name. Perfect example, DPHH. Something that is meant to be a networking tool for the Deaf, has become a drunken free for all. The majority of the population do not work, instead rest on SSI, they tip horribly, and by the end of the night, the hearing public continue their biased, ignorant opinion of Deaf.

So, what would be the best thing for Deaf advocacy and education? How about more Deaf owned businesses? How about more Deaf volunteers? How about more people refusing to take SSI and demanding to work to show their pride? Once Deaf prove to be a part of society that’s independant, reliable, and strong, the community will be happy to embrace schools, etc. BUT, cleansing of the culture has to start!!!!

Do you see what is happening here? When you give, help, and/or join other organizations, YOUR organization or group will grow bigger and stronger. As I’ve learned from my advertising professor from college, she was so right about “Word of mouth is the best form of advertising”. When others hear what you or your group had done to help others, it will shine a light to your organization and they want to feel good about being part of it. There’s many ways to do it, join the Rodeo BBQ tournament, go to Galveston and help rebuild their homes, use a church’s parking lot for yard sales to help our local SPCA, be creative! That’s pretty much all it takes to make it happen.

The reason why I see a big need for this is because so many deaf/hoh people depend so much on DARS, CRR, and Woodhaven Church for guidance and help to have their basic needs met — such as getting food, clothes, or medical supplies or even help with applying for food stamps, Medicaid, Social Security, and so forth. We often have to step outside our roles to help these deaf/hoh people have their needs met. And yes, I agree with Billy Koch that we need to prepare the deaf/hoh for hurricanes or other natural disasters. Many kudos go to Kelly Reagan for being so proactive in getting the word out (I remember that too!).

We definitely do need a community center where referrals can be appropriately made or have information ready to give out to deaf/hoh who need it or hire at least a few staff to take the time to help these people with paper work. I do not mind stepping outside my role as a DARS counselor helping these people filling out paperwork for public assistance but it is quite a burden when I already have to serve at least 100 people on my caseload while being on the clock and be able to meet agency standards. I can only handle so many responsibilities at once but cannot take on more than I can handle, you know? I know others feel the same way as I do. I know our Deafness Resource Specialists have this role but there are only 2 of them and I am sure they have more than they can handle at the moment too! Bless their hearts.

I say thank you to all those who serve the Deaf & HOH community and others who just simply go out of their way to help others have their basic needs met.

Keep working on it, Houston! Your dream will come true. :)