First, I must say that I am aware that the Deaf are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and for that I am grateful. There are instances when the Deaf are denied access to an interpreter, whether it be in court, at sporting events, in hospitals and doctors offices, or in educational settings. Coverage and protection under the ADA laws allow the Deaf equal opportunities in society.

It is not my intention, within this article, to insinuate that the Deaf should not be covered under the laws of the ADA, because I believe that they should be. However, it is my intention to express my belief that although the Deaf are covered under the current laws and guidelines of the ADA, they are not disabled in the sense that they cannot function appropriately on the job.

It has been my experience that many view deafness as a disability, in regards to their ability to perform on the job. Some perceive those that are Deaf, or hard of hearing, as not being equal in the work force, simply because of their inability to hear. Let me assure you that deafness does not affect an individuals capacity to complete a task. Provided the Deaf individual has adequate training for a particular job duty, they are just as able to successfully complete it, as is their hearing counterpart. Yes, they may need the assistance of an interpreter; however, the need for an interpreter does not indicate a disability. Interpreters are needed for communication with those that are able to hear, not to supplement a mental or physical skill necessary for job duties.

Being Deaf does not render an individual unable to perform at a given task. Deafness does not affect their ability to type, enter data on computers, draw blueprints for an architectural project, perform a surgery, teach a classroom full of students, perform public announcements, construct buildings, operate machinery etc. They simply cannot hear. This does not mean that they are not equal to their hearing counterparts. On the contrary, they are indeed equal in all aspects of life, and are extremely able and competent.