From the Blog of Terry D. Portis, E d.D, Executive Director, Hearing Loss
Association of America (HLAA)
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Blogging about a Blog
Oct 4th, 2007 by Terry Portis
The nature of the blog is that it is an online journal of sorts. From time
to time, it is fine to journal about someone else’s journal. Last week,
another blogger blogged about an article I wrote for Hearing Loss Magazine.
The blog entry written by Shane Feldman can be found here.
http://www.deafdc.com/blog/?p=1069
Several people have written to me and asked for a response. I think the
first part of my response may surprise some when I say that I found Shane
Feldman’s writing to be very reasonable and articulate. He makes his
arguments well, and has some good points.
I have no intention of going point by point through the blog entry. The main
issue is that there are organizations and groups in the country who are
confusing state and federal policy makers by stating or implying that if you
provide sign language interpreting, then all 31 million people who have a
hearing loss have access. I think this point was missed in the DeafDC Blog.
It is unethical to increase program and service funding using statistics
made up primarily of a group of people you never intend to help at all, or
provide token assistance. I am sure it makes the funding case stronger, but
it is oppressive to the service and program needs of people who wish to
maximize their residual hearing using technology and other strategies, and
continue to verbally communicate.
..............
2 Responses to “Blogging about a Blog”
1.. on 04 Oct 2007 at 6:29 pm1 Shane
Terry,
Thanks for your cordial response. Indeed, there are groups who mislead
policy makers that sign language is sufficient to serve all 28-31 million
deaf and hard of hearing people. Both sides have groups who are at fault. I
think we have a responsibility to explain why it is wrong and suggest a
better approach. They can craft more effective messages that are fair to
both groups and will still win much deserved funding.
Thanks for articulating the point that I tried to make in my DeafDC.com
blog, but didn’t state as well as you did: “The main issue is that there are
organizations and groups in the country who are confusing state and federal
policy makers by stating or implying that if you provide sign language
interpreting, then all 31 million people who have a hearing loss have
access.” Perhaps that was what you were hoping to convey in your Hearing
Loss column?
I hope that our dialogue is read by groups across the country, so they can
learn to work together and resolve their differences. Keep up the good work
with the HLAA.
2.. Teresa Blankmeyer Burke
Terry, Shane,
I just had to point out that I REALLY (yes, I’m shouting) like the model
for discussion and disagreement that the two of you have followed here! It
is so encouraging to see an example of respectful dialogue emerge from
leaders who have staked out differing views on a charged topic.
Bravo!
Teresa
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