Wednesday 17th September 2008
On this day, I went to the Licensing Office in order to apply for learners for five Deaf persons. Prior to this visit I had called the office to find out if I could go on their behalf. They assured me that I could so I went. However, nothing could be done when I got there because each person had to sign on their learners and I obviously could not do this for them. Nevertheless, I got an opportunity to deliver a Thank You card for Mr Ramdass - Assistant Transport Commissioner - for his willingness to accommodate the Deaf.
Is there a lesson to be learnt from such a simple happening? I have learnt that in EVERYTHING there is something to be extracted and studied. In this case, I began to see that helping the Deaf is not doing things on their behalf. If you'll allow me, I would say that doing things on their behalf could mean handicapping them. Helping a disabled person involves allowing them to be self-sufficient through guidance. At the end of the day, their signature is what makes the task theirs. Their signature, their uniqueness, their mark must be stamped across all that they do. They need to take an active and significant role in their own life and their own day to day activities. If I do things on their behalf, I hinder them from growing and block several survival skills and life lessons that could have been learnt.
I am glad things turned out the way they did. :)
"Keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again, and you will grow stronger until you have accomplished a purpose - not the one you began with perhaps, but one you'll be glad to remember" Anne Sullivan
2 comments:
Dear Alana,
I thank God for you. You have such a seeking heart. Your insights into "helping the deaf" are true and you write clearly. Thank you.
Here are some thoughts on "helping deaf people" :
Lots of times the help that someone needs is really just to have things made accessible. Why are there barriers? The people in power, in this case hearing people, do things, conduct business, communicate, etc. the way that is natural to them. They are in the majority so their way is "normal". Anyone who is different is "disabled" by this standard. Even though we know that God made all people and God was more creative than that... the standard remains for what is called "normal".
It's a dangerous standard. Hitler had a vision that the way people were supposed to be was white, with blue eyes and blonde hair...Aryan. Anyone who wasn't Aryan was "disabled" and ruining the race. He feared the destruction of the race and exterminated anyone who was different.
In less dramatic ways the world operates this way. Anyone who isn't rich, intelligent, pretty, thin, young (20 - 40 years old), hearing, and physically fit is "disabled" because that's the standard. They are not exterminated, but they face barriers, prejudice, and inaccessibility.
As Christians, as people who love the Lord and want to offer true worship, we are compelled to act justly and show mercy (Micah 6:8, James 1:27, Luke 4;18). We see the injustices that are in the world and try to remove the barriers.
I suggest this because the barriers are what make the person disabled not the "standard". It is the barrier that telephones operate on an auditory system that prevents deaf people from using them. It is the barrier that language/reading is based on phonics that makes it difficult for deaf people to read. It is the barrier that business and licensing bureaus require a written test that is hard for deaf to read that prevents them from getting a driver's permit. BUT if we can remove the barriers:provide sign language interpretation, text message vs. call, etc, then we are being God's people and celebrating the creative, wonderful, varied way he created us.
I can see you understand this point. I am just reiterating it a different way: That "helping" people who we call disabled, is not really a help. Instead we need to look at the situation. We need to see how our standard of what is normal has created a barrier for them and remove that barrier. Maybe we even have to right the injustice, so that they can have accessibility to everything the rest of the "normal" population has access to. "Helping" is a way of maintaining the standard of normalcy, and maintaining that "we" are on top and you need our help because you can't do it our way...the "right way". Although many "helpers" are applauded and win awards and get notes of praise, it takes a lot of courage to stand up for equality and accessibility instead.
Sorry this comment is so long.
And thank you so much for putting a link to my blog on your site.
May God give you wisdom and guide your steps, Alana.
Your sister in Christ,
Nancy in Belize
wow Nancy! Your writing is very impressive and insightful. I am so happy you expressed these thoughts. I want you to know that I value your opinion on this matter. My simple prayer is asking God to give me the "courage to stand up for equality and accessibility" for Deaf people and at that same token break some of the barriers that have divided us for so long. I am now learning the Deaf culture and I am allowing God to teach and guide me along the way. It is so encouraging to know that you are making a difference in Belize! It helps me to remember that I am not alone :)
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