Hearing loss (Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga: 2011, new home, buy)

[NY Annie]

Closing on TN house is tomorrow, moving in summer of 2011 (maybe even end of 2010 - we're anxious).

I am severely hearing impaired - technically deaf. Meaning that my hearing loss is so severe that I cannot understand words without my hearing aids. My hearing has been steadily declining and no reason to think it won't continue. Right now I live in NYC - in the forgotten borough. There is no low-cost sign language course available to me and loved ones without a major hike into "the city" (meaning Manhattan - like driving back roads from Selmer to Memphis) and I am also physically handicapped.

Back when I lived in RI, there was the "governor's commission on the Hearing Impaired" which helped me with all kinds of aids, from alarm clocks to a car siren alerting device. These aids helped me with independence and were free from the state. Now that I live in the big metropolis, there's nothing.

So my question is this: Is there anything in TN to help me (and now my husband who is being fitted with hearing aids - thank you VA) to learn sign language? We have a funny kind of interpersonal sign language that is very limited and we use computers to type to each other. I'm looking for something in the Selmer-Jackson area as we will be relocating to Bethel Springs? Is there a Deaf community?

TIA,
Annie

[Pam& Bill]

Annie,
I stumbled across this resource page today. It may have some helpful links that will answer your questions on what is available to you. Best of luck with your move and new home in Tennessee.

The DRM Regional Resource Directory: Tennessee

Pam

[NY Annie]

Thanks, Pam - I'm checking it out now.

[knoxgarden]

Check with Vanderbilt. They have superb programs for the deaf and hard of hearing.
University of Tennessee also provides services -- based on a sliding scale of what you can afford -- but that's in Knoxville. They also provide hearing aids at cost and speech and language therapy. Some truly wonderful people.
Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Welcome
There are schools for the deaf in Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville and a college near Chattanooga that offers degrees in Sign Language.
Tennessee Temple University - Sign Language Department
American Sign Language Program
I don't think you'll find something right in your community, but there is some great help out there. Look on the internet for interactive CDs or DVDs that provide training via computer.
The link to state disability resources is here:
Disability Resources - TN.gov
You can get TTY and other assisted phones for free through the state.
There is help available, you've got to poke around for it though.

[mbmouse]

I have always wanted to learn American Sign Language, I hear fine, just wanted to learn. I have found there are several books you can buy on line, plus there is a good DVD I bought from Overstock. It has sound, but also has it written on the screen, so maybe until you move and find these great recourses Knoxgarden gave you, these might get you started on the right road to the basic signs? Just a thought.

[TwoWheelMan]

I am post lingually deafened..happened in my left ear at age 9...it was hereditary and was sensorineural type...When I was 24 my right ear went too...although it was not as sudden as the left...now I am deaf without hearings aids and have dealt with my loss now for the past 48 years... I do have some residual hearing which is why i can use hearing aids...I was at one time an Educator of the Deaf. Started as an asst teacher in a vocational class for machine shop. I have several times in the past taught beginning sign language thru a adult education course with a neighboring township. I am in NJ so that is no doubt too far from you.I would offer my services rather cheaply if I could while you are waiting to relocate. But the distance for youwould make this rather impractical. I wish there was a way to help you and your husband...

[NY Annie]

TwoWheelMan, that is sweet of you. I have friends out on Long Island who help me from time to time - one offered for us to go to her to teach us - as you said, the drive makes it impractical - not to mention that I am petrified of heights and the VN bridge terrifies me. I started teaching myself sign from dvds and found that I was using the signs totally backwards or so wrong that my asl fluent friends thought I was crazy! Which they think anyway. Now I have arthritis really bad and signing hurts.

People forget to sign to me when I speak. I work very hard to keep my speech clear. I will keep working to learn sign on my own, but I really need someone to practice with often. Being that I have hearing with my aids (and lipreading), I rely upon verbal far too much. I still haven't gotten the concept of looking at the whole person and to stop focusing on the lips.


@Knoxgarden - thank you so much - I have bookmarked those links.

Annie

[TwoWheelMan]

Originally Posted by NY Annie

TwoWheelMan, that is sweet of you. I have friends out on Long Island who help me from time to time - one offered for us to go to her to teach us - as you said, the drive makes it impractical - not to mention that I am petrified of heights and the VN bridge terrifies me. I started teaching myself sign from dvds and found that I was using the signs totally backwards or so wrong that my asl fluent friends thought I was crazy! Which they think anyway. Now I have arthritis really bad and signing hurts.

People forget to sign to me when I speak. I work very hard to keep my speech clear. I will keep working to learn sign on my own, but I really need someone to practice with often. Being that I have hearing with my aids (and lipreading), I rely upon verbal far too much. I still haven't gotten the concept of looking at the whole person and to stop focusing on the lips.


@Knoxgarden - thank you so much - I have bookmarked those links.

Annie

Annie..the fact that you still use your hearing as part of a total communication is good...I might suggest that your reliance on hearing rather than seeing is one area you can improve upon...especially when communicating with other deaf people...I suggest you NOT use your hearing aids...this will force you to become more visually acute. Its always easy to express yourself because you already know what you are going to say...however it is another story to reccieve what others are saying to you. Believe it or not as child I never knew sign language...it wasnt until my 3rd year in college that i discovered the deaf community and utilizing sign language interpreters in all of my classes. It only took me 1 year to become fluent and my vocabulary in sign is around 7000 words or "conceptual phrases" My first 3 years in college were not good academically...then I discovered vocational rehabilitation and special services at my school...I changed majors and went another 3 years. Academically my grades improved dramatically. I doubt I would have made it without the interpreters and classroom note takers. Ihope you can improve your sign skills both expressively and receptively...I wish you the best of luck in that regard.

[NY Annie]

Good advice, TwoWheel. I feel so vulnerable and alone without my aids. I won't even take a shower when no one's home. Guess I'll just have to make sure I have someone with me I trust and take out the aids - a little at a time.

[knoxgarden]

Have you considered getting a companion animal?
Even an untrained dog or cat will let you know if something out of the ordinary is going on. It may help you be more confident on your own. I've got cats and they let me know if someone is at the door or if they hear strange noises or the timer dings on the stove or the teakettle whistles.
There are dogs that are specially trained as Hearing Dogs, just like dogs are trained to aid the blind.
Dogs for the Deaf: We Are Dogs for the Deaf - We Train Hearing Service Dogs for Deaf or Hard of Hearing People
And any "no pet restrictions" in housing don't apply to them.