Welcome to the actualities “experiences” questionnaire about your interaction(s) with people who are Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH). Feel free to call us if you need additional information about this request for information at 480 615-8900.

Our goal is to include REAL LIFE actualities in future classes of  “I Never Gave THAT a Thought!”, the training class in Deaf Sensitivity. Tell us about situations that you’ve experienced on duty, or off-duty.

As examples, the following are real-life situations. The 1st was told to us by a retired FBI agent. The 2nd actuality was told by Mr. Frank Vance, Director of Rehabilitation Services at the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired organization in Phoenix, AZ. Each situation pertains to the blind. But you will get the idea of what types of stories we are looking for. 

Example 1

While the agent was in his car he saw a man who appeared to be blind walking on a sidewalk. Weather conditions weren’t mentioned. He thought of offering the man a lift to a subway station in New York City. He identified himself as law enforcement and sounded the siren in his vehicle just so the person was assured that he was getting into a safe situation. The train station was just a few blocks away. The man accepted the lift. Upon arriving at the station and exiting the vehicle, the man seemed to be confused as to where he was.  The law official told me that the man was disoriented, in that he probably knew how many steps or how much time it took to get from where he was to the train station while walking. Since that information was no longer available to him, he was a bit lost and disoriented.

Perhaps this is common. Perhaps not. The agent continued to say in a questioning manner, “maybe I should not have offered the ride.”

What would you do? What situations like this have you encountered with the Deaf and hard of hearing and/or a person who was blind?

Example 2

Frank Vance told us that as a high school student who was blind, a police officer sounded his siren and offered him a ride. Mr. Vance responded “No thanks. I am fine.” The officer then drove to the intersection where Mr. Vance was going to cross, and put on his signals stopping all traffic in a sincere effort to help Mr. Vance cross. This was a noble effort. However, to Mr. Vance, it was so very embarrassing to be singled out…especially being a young student.

Perhaps this is common. Perhaps not.

What would you do? What situations like this have you encountered with the Deaf and hard of hearing &/or a person who was blind?

Your input here will help make the d/Deaf sensitivity class even better as we learn more of what others in your position need to be aware of. Your name and affiliation will not be shared with anyone without your permission.

Blindness separates people from things.

Deafness separates people from people.