id’s for the deaf

I believe deaf and hard-of-hearing people should be required to carry ID cards identifying themselves as deaf or hard of hearing. Unfortunately, we live in a very hearing world. The world wasn’t set up for anyone that isn’t a hearing wealthy Christian white man. While we are trying to change the world to be a better, safer and more accessible place to exist, there are things we have to do to accommodate ourselves throughout this life. It’s not fair, but it’s what we have. For example, I don’t believe women should have to learn self-defense, but given the world we live in learning self-defense is vital instrument.

Having an ID card could make things easier, not better, but easier for the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community. I think carrying one should be required, and I think there should be requirements for what that means. Business and establishments should have a set of standards on what it means having someone deaf visit. There should come a knowledge for the hearing community when they come across someone with the ID card. Simple things like not yelling someone’s name when a deaf person orders a drink at Starbucks. Going up to them and handing them their drink. Family gatherings with hearing people, figuring out how to include the deaf person in conversations. Handing note pads or iPad to deaf people with ID’s that come to restaurants. When you go to Disney World, showing your ID and having special glasses that show captions for every show. Or going back to the first reaction assignment, providing the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing interpreters for the day when they visit. There shouldn’t be “Deaf Days”, we as a hearing community should do better. So to summarize, I believe deaf and hard-of-hearing people should be required to carry ID cards identifying themselves as deaf or hard-of-hearing. And I believe that means the hearing world is required to be more educated as well.