If you think just being deaf and trying to find work in a down economy imagine for deaf individuals with multiple disabilities like Marty Wheeler of Kalispell, Montana. In addition to him being deaf he was born with cerebral palsy where he must use a cane to help him walk and if you think that's bad his glaucoma is severe enough to have him classified as legally blind. But the one thing I think sets him apart from others is his drive and determination to
be independent as possible.
“I’m good with details,” Wheeler said. “I’ve got a good eye for it.”
Doney said he has the additional challenge of reading the handwriting and drawings of many different appraisers, including some who no longer work at the Department of Revenue.
“It’s fun for me,” Wheeler said. “It’s a good challenge.”
Doney found her concerns about communication were unfounded since Wheeler possesses a high level of lip reading and UbiDuo skills. She said he seems to understand even before they finish speaking.
He also doesn’t get frustrated or bogged down in spite of the complexity of some of the work.
“Marty is probably the most patient person I’ve ever seen,” Doney said.
New technology such as email and social media have made a huge difference for Wheeler and other people with disabilities.
Roberts said that Facebook has helped Wheeler with office socializing. She said he and his co-workers can interact online and by email as well as in person.
“Through these things, he can create the interoffice relationships that hearing people take for granted,” Roberts said.
The biggest boon among people with hearing loss is the improvement in technology in both the communication and social aspect. Not only that but the increased level of independence with the help of technology whether it's the use of the internet, emails,
face to face communication, video phone, CART, hearing aids, cochlear implants, relay operators and so on. Marty has a triple whammy to deal with but does so with ease. He is keen on taking advantage of every possible technological innovations to help him communicate rather than rely on a sign language interpreter all the time. Proving his communication independence will only serve him better for his future.
