Professions for the deaf

I took part in a Sign & Tell event for hearing-impaired (HI) children & children of HI parents last Sat. I pondered about the challenges these children & their parents face, and also about my own challenges as a HI working professional.

I think the greatest challenge lies in communication. Communication as you know it, is not just about the written word or spoken words, but encompasses other non-verbal cues such as body language, tone, gestures, etc. For the HI, not being able to take in communication in its full context prevents them from integrating well with hearing folks. Many a times, I have heard comments like the deaf live in their own world, or have poor attitude, or are stubborn. Some of these comments may have resulted from a lack of understanding, though some may be genuine. But then, I think the deaf, having grown up missing out on most aspects of communication, cannot be faulted for displaying what seems like stubbornness or poor attitude. I think the deaf started life on a different platform, like people from a different country, speaking a different language, and living in a different culture. More time and patience is needed for people from two cultures to form a mutual bond.

Unfortunately, in this economy, most people don't have the time or patience to help the HI. Even the hearing are already struggling with survival in the new economy. Let's do whatever we can to help the HI to be more self-sufficient in their working life. I believe there's potential for them to excel in certain professions. I urge business people and employers alike to consider HI people without fear or discrimination for the following professions. I urge parents and teachers dealing with HI kids to consider encouraging the kids to explore these as future professions as well. There should be more but this is a list to start with:

• script-writing
• proof-reading/editorial work
• photo-journalism
• visual illustration/drawing
• application development
• fashion design
• hair-styling
• creative designing/advertising
• book authoring
• documentation
• culinary works
• dance/performing arts

The bottomline is: creativity is not hindered by deafness. In fact, being cut off from all the noise and distractions, HI people can excel in works that require a heavy dose of creativity & imagination.

God bless you.

Thomas
Category: cf_df, sounding board