Comments for The Rebuttal

Comment on Take My Word For it by MM

MM — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:52:01 +0000

I think it is about access and acceptance,whilst the deaf still demand to go it alone they are not opening up the access for those who want equality in sporting terms. It’s the bigger picture, and why should mainstream foot the bill for deaf-only events and social gatherings ? I am not asked to foot the Bill for Urdu cultural gatherings, why must I agree to put money into deaf-only ones ? especially when the criteria is cultural as well as decibel related. If you take the medical focus away, then how do you decide who is really deaf or, who belongs to the cultural idea of that ? It would solve a lot if they just said deaf only, and mean that in total and profound terms, not mess about with decibels. Anyway the UK is now refusing to give deaf sports money for their deaflympics. You want, you pay, you decide who is deaf !

Comment on Take My Word For it by gazza

gazza — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:31:22 +0000

That is being very Black and White MM. There are other cultural sporting events in the world where people of a similar language and culture compete against each other – the Jewish Games come to mind as an example. I certainly do see deaf sporting events as more of a cultural sheebang aimed at bringing deaf people together. Within hearing events deaf people do not get the same experience that comes with the socialising and getting to know other competiters. Arguably there are no sporting events that are soley for the sport. Exchange of goodwill and cultures are all part of these events. For me deaf sport events, especially at local and national level, are more about the fun, for others its about the sport – but its still like minded people that share something similar (an experience of deafness and a desire to compete against others that share the same experience.) Arguably deaf sporting events should include the family of deaf people as well as they share a common experience. But certainly I think the focus on medical means to define deafness at these events is wrong.

Comment on Take My Word For it by MM

MM — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:59:52 +0000

Logically if the deaf are otherwise able-bodied then why a deaf olympics at all ? there is the paralympics and the main event they already qualify for, how much access do they want ? Culture isn’t sport, it’s an excuse for a deaf get-together, competition sport-wise means you take on all comers hearing or deaf. It’s only the logistics of the start. Deaf do not campaign to compete that’s the trouble they just want to race each other ? because they are deaf ? Not competition as we understand it… and a niggling doubt the deaf are genuinely wanting sporting competition because they are reluctant to lobby the Main Olympics to be included… Deaf can do anything except hear ? except compete in the Olympics obviously …. mixed message here…

Comment on Take My Word For it by MM

MM — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:15:05 +0000

Hearing tests will prove nothing at all, unless a strict criteria exists to state you are deaf or not, and the deaf will be the first to challenge any db ID. Let us not forget the American judges who wanted cultural eligibility put into the deaflympics. That is a background of lifestyle and sign language and deaf education. This will still not identify the degree your loss disables (Let’s forget the Deaf versus disability thing, because you are talking medical definitions). As regards to my last comment and ‘cultural’ ID, this is NOT my defintion but an actual copy of an interview I had with a deaf social worker and the disability allowance people in the UK, who refused to accept that as I spoke well, I wasn’t disabled by deafness, I fought that and they started bringing up what THEY saw as someone truly disabled by deafness, i.e. the CULTURAL deaf and gave me those definitions to answer which I couldn’t because my deafness (profound) occurred AFTER full time education. Like I Keep explaining to the cultural deaf, these identifications are the system’s and ones I, have to comply with to get support I need. I could suggest the ‘Deaf’ are not selling much positivity where it counts,and are wise to the effect if they overdo it, they will lose ‘disability’ status and all the financial help that goes with it. I’d be the first to agree deaf people are extremely disabled people. Their entire lifestyle mirrors that. That us why I prefer to say it how it is and not play the “I don’t need anything, I aint disabled, or need anything’ gig. I am profoundly deaf and there is little positive as I can see in that.

Comment on Take My Word For it by Timothy

Timothy — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:06:51 +0000

Here’s the simple solution…. if you’re culturally Deaf since birth or be involved in the Deaf community or family for a long period of time, but that person can be hearing or hard of hearing. Gets a box of ear plugs and insert them into their “hearing” ears before taking part in one of the Australian Deaf Games’ sporting games. I am sure this will impacts the “sporting industry” growth and policy development as to increases membership base strengthens an influential organization that attracts sponsors and government grants. Here’s the example, the Deaf Poker founder, Sokong from Sydney helps set-up the upcoming second Australian Deaf poker championship in Melbourne this October have now accept CODA and Hard of Hearing players’ registrations. I think there is an assumption in one of the poker championship rules is that you must be communicate in AUSLAN mode while sitting on tables, if you’re playing or not. Think outside of the square.