Many of us try hard not to offend others, particularly when it comes to “name-calling” and labels.  There are words we would never use to describe people based on the color of their skin, how they worship, where they come from, or who and how they love.  There are words that we sometimes use that we never even knew could be hurtful (“paddy wagon”).  And then there are the words we use because we think we are being “politically correct”.  And that brings me to “hearing impaired”.

I have been around a long time (and there are words for that, too) and remember when the term “deaf” was used.  Over time the word was seen to have negative connotation, and along with many others, I began to use the term “hearing impaired”.  I truly believe that this linguistic evolution was an attempt not to be offensive or insensitive.  But apparently we are coming back full circle, which raises the question as to whether we should call someone deaf of refer to them as hearing impaired.

Organizations such as the International Federation of the Hard of Hearing, World Federation of the Deaf, and the National Association of the Deaf agreed (actually quite a while ago) that the term “hearing-impaired” was no longer acceptable.  The appropriate reference should be “deaf/hard of hearing.”

Rachelle Clark, Certified Interpreter,  has said “We [the non-deaf] look at what our norms are and then label the other person’s lack as a deficit or impairment; hence, if I am able to hear and you are not, I may label you hearing impaired”.   Yet, Anthony Nelson, Director of Easter Seals Crossroad Deaf Community Services, points out that “it is the hope that we not focus on or emphasize the differences but focus on the person.  Most persons preferred to be called just that…deaf.  Don’t be afraid to say deaf.  It is a four letter word that is okay and accepted”.

So now when I discuss fair housing issues, I will talk about the requirements to accommodate and communicate with the deaf.  (And by the way, please do not overlook your fair housing responsibilities in this area.)

“Deaf people can do anything…except hear.”

Dr. I King Jordan, first deaf president of Gallaudet University, 1988, quoting Fred Schreiber (1972).