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What is the big “Push” for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing? I never see any Deaf people.

ANS: Deaf people are all around you. You just don't know it until they start signing – or until you realize they can't hear you. For example, it took my mother and teacher over two years to realize I was deaf. I lost my hearing when I was 9 years old and, being a Catholic, I thought I had done something wrong and God was punishing me by making me deaf. For two years I didn't tell a soul that I couldn't hear. Yet, no one knew. I taught myself to lipread. My mother thought I was just ignoring her. It was only when my teacher realized that I never raised my hand when she called my name that she thought something was wrong with me. Imagine that, even my own mother, grandmother, grandfather, sister and other family members had no idea I was deaf for two whole years!

My Grandmother uses the description “Deaf and Dumb”. Are Deaf people really dumb?

ANS: That term was used long long ago for Deaf people who could not talk. “Deaf and Dumb” and “Deaf and Mute” were used synonymously. Of course we have some Deaf people who are dumb – just like we have hearing people who are dumb. We also have Deaf people with doctorate degrees (like Dr. Angel M. Ramos!). We have Deaf people who are millionaires. We have Deaf people who run their own businesses. Deaf people are just as intelligent as hearing people – they just can't hear.

Is OptiSchool free to everyone on the Internet?

ANS: Yes, OptiSchool is free to everyone. That's one of the main goals. If it's not free then children and families who need it the most may not have access to it. Even if a family doesn't have internet service they can still use the program at their public library or school.

Are these classes also geared to hearing people who want to learn Sign Language?

ANS: Yes, OptiSchool can be used for both hearing people and deaf children. We encourage hearing parents to learn Sign Language by working with their child on the OptiSchool lessons. Anyone wanting to learn Sign Language for whatever the reason can start with OptiSchool.

Why is it so hard for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to learn to read and write?

ANS: To the 10% of Deaf children who are born with Deaf parents or hearing parents who sign, learning to read and write is easy. These children grow up with language from the moment they are born. Unfortunately, 90% of deaf children are born into hearing parents who do not sign. They grow up without language. Parents spend so much time trying to teach their deaf child to speak that they ignore the most fundamental skill of all – reading and writing. Sadly, while the hot trend today is for hearing parents to teach their hearing babies sign language to help them develop language faster, hearing parents of deaf babies are told not to use sign language, that sign language will inhibit speech develop. So, while hearing babies learn sign language and develop language at an earlier age, deaf babies continue to lag further and further behind.

Aside from OptiSchool what else does your foundation do for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing?

ANS: We provide scholarships and free hearing aids to Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. We also provide information to parents and educators through our parent educator.

How can OptiSchool help Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to learn to read and write better?

ANS: Children learn all the nationally recognized vocabulary words for their respective grade, starting with kindergarten. They learn the signs, they learn to spell the words, they learn to use the words in sentences. For example, when a kindergarten students completes OptiSchool, they will know all the vocabulary words that their hearing counterparts should have learned.

What is the difference between American Sign Language and English?

ANS: There is a bit of confusion about this because some people use signs from American Sign Language ( ASL ) in English word order. That isn't ASL . ASL has its own grammar and syntax. It's a language on the hands, face, and position of the body. Comparing ASL to English is like comparing English to Spanish. Both are completely different languages.

Does OptiSchool teach more ASL or English?

ANS: OptiSchool teaches ASL . It is the language of deaf individuals.

How important are facial expressions when using Sign Language?

ANS: All signs have five characteristics (called parameters), one of which is called Non-Manual Markers (NMM). NMM includes facial expressions. If you change the facial expression, or NMM, you change the meaning of the sign. For example, try telling your spouse or sweetheart that you love him/her with a smile on your face, then again with a frown on your face. Which is more accurate? Try telling someone you are very excited about their idea with no facial expression. Do you think they will believe you? Probably not.

Why are some signs done up against the body and others away from my body?

ANS: Another parameter, or characteristic, is Location. The location of the sign signifies if it pertains to the person speaking, or to the person being spoken to.

Why do some Deaf and Hard of Hearing people sign so fast that I can't understand them and others so easy for me to communicate with?

ANS: Some deaf people simply aren't as patient with hearing people trying to learn ASL . Most are if they feel the hearing person is making a serious effort to communicate with them. It really depends on the situation and the individual.

Why is the subject matter so important when signing to a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person?

ANS: I believe the subject is always important when communicating with anyone but I think the question here might be that when you happen to join a conversation between deaf people you may not be able to “catch” what the conversation is about. When you join a conversation with hearing people it's easier to know the topic and join in. So many ASL signs must be understood in the context of the conversation so if you've missed the beginning you don't know the context.

What is the correct way to get a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person's attention?

ANS: There are several ways to do that. Of course the easiest is to tap the person on the shoulder or arm. This is very acceptable to the deaf person. If you're too far away from the person you can try stomping the floor and maybe he will feel the vibration. When you're sitting at a table you can slap the table and it will vibrate. As tempting as it may be, NEVER throw something at the deaf person to get their attention!

How much money do Hearing Aids cost?

ANS: This really depends on the hearing aides. The newest digital hearing aides can range between $1500 to $2000 each. Sometimes insurance will help with the expense; but many times the insurance won't cover any of the cost.

Why is eye contact such a big deal? I think I offended a Deaf person at my college...please help!

ANS: Eye contact is important when using ASL . During a conversation if a deaf person breaks eye contact it's because he is thinking or trying to remember something he wants to say. It's a break in the conversation. A hearing person might say something like “uuummmm” to let you know he's thinking and a deaf person breaks eye contact. If you're communicating with a deaf person and not maintaining eye contact the person will think you aren't interested in the conversation.

 Why was I told that I have to have a plain shirt or sweater on when I am signing to a Deaf person? That makes no sense to me.

ANS: If you're an interpreter it is important. When you notice interpreters you'll see they tend to wear dark solid colors. It's simply easier for deaf people to see the signs which makes a difference especially for extended lengths of time. No mystery here! For just general conversation it's not that important.

Yes, and why do people have to keep their hands in one place when they sign? I agree, that does not make any sense to me either.

ANS: In order for a Deaf person to get ALL the information needed the hands need to be in front of you. This way the Deaf person can see your signs AND your face. Your face conveys NMM and the Deaf person will know if you are being honest and sincere – or not.

I am a Doctor who has a deaf patient. Why do I have to pay for the interpreter – he is the one who is deaf!

ANS: Communication is a two-way street. An interpreter is not just for Deaf people – it is for hearing people too. If you want Deaf people's money, then provide the communication. Of course, federal law requires that hospitals receiving federal funds provide equal communication to Deaf people. That's the law. If doctors want the federal money, then provide the interpreters. They can't have it both ways.

I've had deaf people apply for employment at my business. Do I have to get an interpreter if I hire them?

ANS: The deaf person definitely needs an interpreter when learning the job. How can you explain how to do a job to a person who knows a different language than you? An interpreter is the answer to that. From then it depends on what's needed. For example, if you have weekly employee meetings you need an interpreter at those meetings. How else can the deaf employee have the same information as the hearing employees?

If I am learning Sign Language and I only know just a little bit, should I not use it until I know it all when I encounter a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Person? What if I mess up?

ANS: Good question! First think of the situation. If you see 2 people sitting together having a conversation in sign language there's no reason to walk up and try to join in. If on the other hand you need to communicate with a deaf person then by all means use whatever sign language you know and remember there's always the pen and paper. Will you mess up? Most likely but that's how you learn.

Is there some law that says Deaf and Hard of Hearing people have the “Right” to have an interpreter?

ANS: Check out the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – it's all there. http://www.ada.gov/

Can't deaf people just learn to lip read?

ANS: Lip reading is a skill. Some deaf people have a “natural” talent for lip reading; others can take a class to become better at it. Lip reading calls for the person trying to do it to fill in the blanks. The better educated a person is the better he can fill in the blank. He has a larger vocabulary. Still the best lip reader will only get maybe 65% of the conversation, the rest is “fill in the blank.” So many words look the same on the mouth. For example say the word paper then the word baby. Your lips move the very same way. It's also very tiring to lip read.

Is there a source or place where people can get Hearing Aids at a discount?

ANS: There are non-profits that can help with the cost of hearing aides. You would really need to check in your area to see what's available.

Why can't a Deaf person's family member or friend just interpret for them?

ANS: Just because a person can sign doesn't make them an interpreter. For example, I am an outstanding signer, yet I failed the interpreting test. Interpreting is a skill that requires not only knowledge of sign language but also the ability to listen to what is being said, change it into another language, while at the same time listening to new information. It is a very, very difficult skill and not something that someone who knows just sign language can do with a high level of accuracy. When accuracy is not important, by all means a family member or friend who knows sign language can interpret. However, this is not, not, acceptable in medical or highly emotional situations.

What is the protocol or the correct thing to do when using an interpreter – do I direct my questions or answers to the Deaf person or the interpreter? Who do I look at?

ANS: Direct your questions to the Deaf person and look at the Deaf person. The Deaf person will, in return, sign directly to YOU and look at YOU when he/she is communicating with you.

How important are hearing aids? And when a Deaf person has on hearing aids – isn't it just like glasses when you wear them? Then the Deaf person can hear just like people with bad eyesight can see, right?

ANS: Depends on the type of hearing loss. For most Deaf and hard of hearing people, hearing aids help with lip-reading and monitoring their voices. Dr. Ramos wears a hearing aid but if he can't see your lips he won't understand a word you are saying. That is because he has nerve deafness. Turn on your TV to a channel that has no picture, just static, and that is what Dr. Ramos hears. He needs to see a person's lips to know what is being said.

I was told that if a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person has a Cochlea Implant they could start talking and hearing immediately. Is that true?

ANS: Snake oil doctors have been around ever since mankind began. This is another snake oil tale. In reality, it takes years and years of intensive speech and auditory training to even approach this possibility. Some deaf children do learn to speak and talk on the phone, others do not.

Why do most people think that a cochlea implant is new technology?

ANS: Cochlear implant technology keeps improving each year so that it is “new,” or better than previous cochlear implants. What this says is that previous cochlear implants were not perfect – and they still aren't. The perfect cochlear implant that will make Deaf people hear the same as hearing people can hear has yet to be invented. The medical profession continues to do research on Deaf children and improving the cochlear implant with the hope of someday perfecting it.

Approximately how many Deaf and Hard of Hearing people are there in the United States?

ANS: 26 million.

While I'm learning Sign Language I am afraid I will make a mistake and use the wrong word. Not only embarrassing myself but also offending the Deaf or Hard of Hearing person I am communicating with. Therefore, I am VERY intimidated. How do I get over this? I need to practice to learn! What should I do?

ANS: The most important thing to a Deaf person is your ATTITUDE. If you have a good attitude Deaf people will accept you with all your mistakes. In fact, they will even help you master the language.

Do Deaf people know how to drive? How can they hear things like police and stuff?

ANS: Believe it or not, Deaf people are better drivers then hearing people – the statistics prove it. Hearing people are occupied with their radios, their cell phones, with sound, that they are not aware of an accident about to happen. Deaf people, on the other hand, are very aware of their surroundings so that when an accident is about to happen they can see it right away and take precautionary measures. By the time a hearing person hears what is going to happen it is too late – crash!

How do you approach a Deaf or Hard of Hearing person? For example: I see someone at a store who is Deaf and is obviously having trouble communicating their needs to the store clerk. I still have limited skills in Sign Language, but I think I can help. Do I avoid the whole situation or....? This has happened to me twice. What should I do?

ANS: It doesn't hurt to ask if they need help. Either take a note pad and write in English “Do you need help” or sign it. Then you will know. Some Deaf people welcome the assistance, some don't. Play it by ear.

Why do Deaf people have an accent when they use their speech?

ANS: Good question. Why do Texans have a Texas accent? Why do New Yorkers have a New York accent? Guess it is because of the environment you grow up in. Deaf people grow up in a silent environment, unable to hear themselves speak.

Is American Sign Language (ASL) really a language?

ANS: Research has long proven that ASL is a language. For example, it has its own syntax and grammatical rules. In fact, ASL is more similar to Spanish than English – and easier to learn.

What is the advantage of learning sign language if my child is already in speech classes and using a hearing aid and/or cochlea implant?

ANS: Remember, communication is a two-way street. The more information you convey to your child, the easier for him/her to understand you. If you really want your child to understand you 100%, learn to sign. In fact, I believe EVERYONE should learn another language. Go visit another country and you will find that the people there speak two, three, sometimes four languages. The more languages you know, the more friends you will make.

Will my child, by learning sign language, be delayed in their speech and cognitive development?

ANS: Absolutely not. There is no research that shows learning sign language hinders speech or cognitive development. On the other hand, there is plenty of research that shows learning sign language helps cognitive development. This is why so many hearing parents are learning sign language and teaching their hearing babies sign language!

Why do you always use caps on your website when you use the words deaf or hard of hearing?

ANS: The words “Deaf” and “deaf” do not mean the same thing. The word “Deaf” with a capital D refers to a person who has a hearing loss and is also a member of the Deaf community. The word “deaf” with a small d refers to a person who has a hearing loss but is not a member of the Deaf community. For example, when Dr. Ramos lost his hearing at 9 years of age he was deaf. When he was 21 he met other Deaf people and joined the Deaf community. He learned sign language, learn about Deaf culture, and became involved in the Deaf community. It was then that he became “Deaf.”  

Is sign language hard to learn? Can I use it as a second language for college credit?

ANS: Like learning any language, learning sign language can be fun and rewarding. The more time spent with the Deaf Community, the better the aquisition of sign languagae. When learning a foreign language, it is important to immerse oneself in the culture of the language. Most colleges and universities recognize American Sign Language (ASL) as a foreign language. It is always best to check with the Counselor Office at the college to confirm whether or not they recognize it. (http://web.mac.com/swilcox/UNM/ASL.html)

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