DEAF PEOPLE CAN’T DRIVE??? BS!!!!! MAY 13, 2013 BY DANIEL KIRSCHMAN BOOKMARK THE PERMALINK Driving a Vehicle as a Deaf Individual? There are common misconceptions about the Deaf community and one of them has been about driving. Can Deaf people drive and have licenses? This has been a question asked by the Hearing community. Many people say “it is a concern” because ‘how will the Deaf hear sirens in an emergency?’ Well, we did some research and here is what we came up with. For Hearing People Only makes the point that “although some hearing folks are surprised to learn that deaf people can drive, the fact is, driving is an almost completely visual activity for anyone.” They even continue to say that Deaf persons may have an advantage because they “are already skilled in compensating for hearing loss at all times by increased visual alertness.”* (Adapted from Heights Driving School): There are certain kinds of auxiliary aids that are required by the ADA for those with “visual and hearing impairments” which can include: qualified interpreters, assistive listening devices, note takers, and written materials for individuals with hearing impairments. “Teaching the Deaf To Drive The success of providing effective communications to a person with hearing loss in the classroom and the vehicle is determined by focusing on three main areas: The environment, student and the parents. The Vehicle The uniqueness of the vehicle environment presents us with a few added issues we will have to address to make sure we are providing effective communication to the student. Preparation prior to going on the road is essential. Instruction in the vehicle will incorporate all the concepts we have discussed in providing classroom instruction plus the use of a note pad and the set of hand control signals included with this handout.” *For Hearing People Only thanked the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University and Frat for the information they utilized. For Hearing People Only also used quotes from various articles excerpted by FRAT as we adapted these quotes as well and thank these sources. For a humorous take on the topic from the Deaf perspective, check out…
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 21:30:39 +0000