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Hands In Christ Deaf Ministry
A CODA’s Personal Perspective
Notice
The following article is my own personal feelings.
Cooped up in the house with the flu my thoughts wandered, and out of no where the question popped into my head "Who Are The Deaf of Today?" Remember these are my personal thoughts and views and most likely someone out there will disagree with many of my thoughts and opinions.
In searching for the answer to my question I had to go back into my memories of my childhood. Why, because my views of the Deaf come from how I was raised within the Deaf culture. Today technology has changed the world of the Deaf, no longer are the Deaf drawn to the social clubs, kitchens tables, and social events as in past years.
The Deaf of my parents generations knew who they were and embraced. their culture Today so called "titles" leave this generation of deaf fussing between themselves on who they are. Deaf, Hearing Impaired, hard of hearing, mildly deaf, profoundly deaf, oralist, the list goes on and on.
Progress is it good or bad? Again I go back to technology. Yes many things are better for the deaf today, the advancement of communications, interpreters services, civil rights. But some things have been has been lost. Self reliance, and pride are the two first items that pop into my mind. Both my Dad (who passed away) and Step Dad never had an interpreter to go with them to find a job. They did it on their own, walked in, wrote a note, and asked for work. Both were never out of work for any length of time, on SSI, welfare, or disability, and proudly provided for their families without help from the government.
For most of their lives they never had an interpreter in church, but I remember my Dad and Mom reading Bible stories with me, teaching me right from wrong. Oh yes and dragging me to Deaf events and friends homes to play with other CODA’s. All of which could sign and commutate with their parents. I remember that Deaf friends of my parents were role models to me, also teaching and guiding me. They were my extended family, more so than my parents own biological families. Both sets of Grandparents could not sign to my parents, not surprising as we all know. So the importance of the Deaf in my life was even more evident and impressive to me.
I see many of the Deaf more isolated today than ever before. Lost in a hearing world that tells them they are "impaired" and must learn to live in the "hearing" world. Many deaf are angry and don’t understand why. Very few deaf even understand or know about their history or culture. Someone said to me awhile back that I seemed to become defensive and angry over the word "hearing impaired". They are right and I do need to learn to temper that somewhat. But I don’t want to forget what those two little words can mean to the deaf. Words are important, they can form who we are and how we look at ourselves. My parents are not "impaired". They are Deaf, with a rich language, and culture of which I am very proud to be a part of.
So back to who are the deaf of today? To me they are all spread out in our communities walking in different paths, walking in circles, walking pass each other. Many are lost to isolation, depression, confusion to who they are, and where they belong. All of them, no of course not. Many deaf have mainstreamed into the hearing world with ease, and live productive lives. Raise families, hold jobs, and interact within the community. Many Deaf have and do the same with pride and determination. But many of those who walk this mainstreamed life also are missing an important part of who they are and that saddens me beyond words.
I believe with all my heart God has plans for each of us. He has a plan for our lives and as the old saying goes......"God doesn't make junk" Each person who is born deaf, or becomes deaf has something to offer the world. God planned it that way. I see the church as a foundation not only for bringing faith to the lost but the foundation in bringing Deaf pride, language, and respect back into the homes of the Deaf. God is the foundation to build all of these on, He is the rock for life.
I am hard of hearing and please don’t call me "hearing impaired". I may go deaf if that is God’s will. It makes no difference if my hearing loss is 20, 30 or 40 decimals, I’m hard of hearing and will choose to follow Deaf culture. I will and do miss the ability to hear music so I can interpret with ease, I will miss not being able to interpret for my parents if I go totally deaf. But what I gain is just important if not more so. I will be more like my mother and father who I have such deep pride in. I will have a deeper and richer understanding of their lives. I will have a new plan for my life that my Heavenly Father has already laid out for me, and that is exciting.
Who are the deaf of today, you must find that answer for yourself.
If you are d/Deaf who are you? What defines you? Do you walk with God and take pride in who you are? Do you have a foundation to build on? Do you walk alone or do you have a rich culture, friends and family that support you? Do you support and set an example and serve as a role model to other deaf?
If you are hearing do you accept the deaf as they are, as God has made them? Do you recognize and accept the beauty of their language? Do you reach out your hand in pity or in support? Do you walk pass the Deaf or reach out in friendship? Do you share who you are, share God’s word, or leave that to others to do for you?
Dee Mathes
CODA
Our prayer is to raise up leaders in our deaf congregation, and going out into the community to share ourselves, and the news of our savior.
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