How did you react?

Question

Have you met a Deaf person before? If so, how did you react at first?

Answer 1

never met a deaf person. i would be surprised i guess and then since i don't know sign language, just wave and walk away.

Answer 2

The first time I met a deaf person I was about 9 or so and he started coming to my church. Anywho, meeting him promted me to start learning American Sign Language from his mother. That in turn stirred a passion in me and 10 years later i am in school double majoring in deaf education(and psychology) and trying to become a certified interpreter. I absolutely love deaf culture (the history, the jokes, the language, deaf poetry everything) and meeting that young man was one of the nest things to happen in my life. Now I meet deaf people on a somewhat regular basis (like my friends) and am comfortable and ask so many questions so that I can learn as much as possible!

Answer 3

I dated a deaf person and it was OK, but I got to the point where I couldn't stand the silence, so we broke up. I am a talker and not being able to use my voice was hard on me; of course I wrote and did some signing but it isn't the same and his laugh was raspy, high pitched, odd, too loud and just plain eerie sounding, (people would stare or move away from us)! I just couldn't handle it.
P.S.
Don't be fooled by those deaf panhandlers, they are the only group of people who can (legally) panhandle, and they make thousands a week and don't have to pay taxes on it, not to mention they also get big discounts on things as well as also getting good sized monthly disability checks from social security! I know all this because my ex boyfriend and his other deaf friends would sit around counting the money they panhandled and making fun of those who gave them money! Now when a deaf person comes up to me and tries to hand me a card, I throw my hand up, shake my head NO and walk away! They get all that and I have to work HARD for minimum wage! Do I feel sorry for them? NO! Why ???

Answer 4

I reacted as I would when I meet anyone...smile politely, and speak to them. Those who cannot read lips are quick to let you know. Gesturing and writing allows normal conversation to continue. As I had a friend who was deaf, I also learned American Sign Language to make communication easier.

Answer 5

Yes..he asked for a cup of coffee and I talked to him just like any other person...he read my lips and understood most of what I said...the fact that he was deaf didn't bother me a bit... I thought it was completely cool the way he can still communicate with people that can hear

Answer 6

My fiancee is legally deaf.
He can hear every now and again, but many days he can't hear a thing. I was kinda shy at first, but we have the same best friend and we talked on chat for a few months so I was pretty comfortable with him.

Now i'm learning sign language. ^_^ I'm no where near as good as him, but I'm learning.

Answer 7

one of my best friends was deaf back in highschool. I wish I could of communicated better with her, I even went to a school dance with her. I tried that phone thingy but telling some stranger a personal conversation was not for me

Answer 8

I've met several. I once interviewed a deaf woman. I had a translator scheduled and everything. She was late for the interview and I had sent the translator home. (They are expensive) The interview was difficult but she was a great lady. I hired her.

Answer 9

I know a girl who is deaf, she uses hearing-aid and can talk. Everything would be much better if she didn't behave like everyone owes her.

Answer 10

The first time was when a guy tried to sell me a card with a "signing" alphabet.

I felt sorry for him and gave him a few bucks.