Gallaudet Student Attempted to Stop Hard of Hearing from Using Cell Phone in Cafeteria

Now, why would anybody complain about a hard of hearing (or for that matter, a hearing student/staff/whatever) Gallaudet student talk on his or her cell phone in the cafeteria of Gallaudet University? This is Gallaudet University we're talking about. All the hand waving, signing, grunting and laughing (and it’s quite loud in there believe it or not) and making a general mess of the cafeteria, as usual, should not be an issue. But, of course, silly me it is an issue among Deaf students that is. Saw a blog piece about one Deaf guy who got a little pissy when he saw one hard of hearing (?) student move his/her mouth next to the cell phone. Why would anybody feel "threatened" (for a lack of a better word) about a hard of hearing student using his or her own voice over a cell phone in the cafeteria of Gallaudet?

Now, if I ever visit Gallaudet again (graduated in 1991) and my cell phone rings while I'm in the cafeteria eating (is it worth my life?) I'd answer it right then and there among the masses of Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing students. Budging not one inch from my table, gabbing coherently away. And If I get a few mean stares or even, God forbid, get approached by a Deaf student(s) who tell me to stop talking on the phone, I'll show him my famous American bird. A patriotic duty of mine. But more likely I'll be a civil as I can be and tell them "Go away! Can't you see? I'm talking!"

Now, I got a similar treatment from a few Deaf students when I was in Gallaudet 17 years ago. I talked and listened to other hard of hearing or hearing people/students who ate with me rather than sign. I signed most of the time, sure, but when I talk, I talk. Not a problem for me. It wasn't a problem for them when they asked me to order a pizza for them over the phone. No problem. But they do have a problem with me talking in the cafeteria or elsewhere on campus. Real bright people. They wanted my help and the next thing I knew I get these glares whenever I use my voice instead of signing. Such incidents were relatively rare.

I've no problem talking. Neither do I have a problem signing. Neither would I have a problem if I talked on my cell phone, which I do carry, in the cafeteria at, oh say, Gallaudet where 75% of them can't even hear, much less understand, one whit of a spoken word (unless we're talking about hearing Grad students).

This whole thing is about my convenience and not yours. This has nothing to do about bragging. Phone rings… I answer, I talk. No problem. That has been my life. My convenience. You got a problem? Leave. Not me. And be courteous to those talking on the phone on the campus of Gallaudet University even if they are deaf (CI) or hard of hearing. That includes Ely Center, the bookstore, cafeteria, the library (remember, this is Gallaudet University we're talking about), and so on.

Deaf people, especially at Gallaudet University, need to accept the fact that there will be hard of hearing students (even CI users) who will use their cell phones on the campus of Gallaudet University to talk and listen, and, most importantly, actually communicate with other human beings on the other side of the cell phone. So, you better learn to live with it. Facts of life here. Move on. Grow up. Time's a changin.

And, oh, by the way people, please, spare me the "courtesy" thing when it comes to answering and using cell phones in public eating places. This is the Gallaudet cafeteria we’re talking about....not a 5 star restaurant. Hope Google picks up my subject heading.

No gagging please.

UPDATE: This is what I'm talking about. And you would think that Gallaudet University embraces diversity? Including those who wear hearing aids, CI, hard of hearing students who can talk or speak just as well as they can sign? Gallaudet University believes it. Sure they do. It is just some of the staff and students at Gallaudet don't believe in it. They are one of the may who rail (hint: whine) against students (hard of hearing) who have the ability to speak and listen, and, gasp!, even carry cell phones that they can use according to their own communication preferences (voice versus sidekick, or even use both!).

As for the cafeteria, heck, I've mingled with all kinds of people and friends who are Deaf, deaf, and hard of hearing (and hearing) anywhere from the center of the cafeteria down to the windows, and upstairs. Not a problem. That way, I'm able to meet all kinds of people..not just the "members only club" mentality group of people who want to sit in the middle of the cafeteria every single day. You see, I truly appreciate diversity and I see it as a challenge to meet a variety of people as much as possible from a variety of backgrounds, upbringings and communication abilities. Even met a CP guy named Jeff who was a challenge to even try and understand him. Deaf and blind. Oralists. PSE or SEE users. CUED speech users. ASL learners and so on. Delightful people they were. I find it truly interesting just to meet people going through New Signers Orientation at the cafeteria, for example.

It is just laughable how some Deaf/deaf/hh people still harbor their insecurity (deny it all you want folks) in such a fashion regarding those who can speak just as well as a hearing person (oh, yeah, they're out there). I've no resentment toward some Deaf people, just the incredulity whenever I see their attitudes toward those with different communication preferences or abilities. Many do have the preference to speak rather than sign but are willing to learn sign language.

Gallaudet University serve as a host to number of students of diverse skills and abilities and if any of them want to use the cell phone to talk on in the cafeteria or elsewhere on campus...more power to them. Their ability to hear and speak are not to be denied nor discouraged.

So, the next time you see students talking on a cell phone (or not) in Gallaudet cafeteria (or elsewhere), do him or her a favor by leaving the person alone to make the call (or talk) and mind your own business. It's a free country.

So much for some of these Deaf/deaf/hh "diversity" claims when it comes to acceptance. Until there's acceptance, there's no real diversity.

BTW, anybody who bugs me in a rude manner while I'm on the cell phone anywhere on campus (not classrooms/theaters/etc) will certainly get a rude reply from me....an American bird, as a last resort to clear up any misunderstanding. :)