Guest Author - Kelli Deister

Is equality defined by a standard, or according to an individuals perception? I believe it to be defined by a standard. Equality, by definition, means that all individuals have the same societal rights, regardless of race, gender, religion, etc. Equality, in terms of employment, means to have the same opportunities as everyone else in society. As I said in my previous article, those that are Deaf are not disabled in the sense that they cannot function appropriately on the job.

Having the need for an interpreter on the job does not mean that one cannot function appropriately in performing the tasks of that job. It simply means that one needs an interpreter to communicate with those that are hearing. The truth is, if more hearing would learn American Sign Language, it would reduce the number of interpreters needed for communication between the Deaf and the hearing.

An employer that hires a Deaf individual, as well as an interpreter, is providing equality on the job, according to the law, not charity. It was stated to me that perhaps the expense an employer incurs, in providing an interpreter for a Deaf individual, is not a necessary expense. It was also implied that perhaps the idea, of having to provide an interpreter for a Deaf employee, was on the brink of charity. Providing an interpreter for the Deaf is by no means providing charitable services. On the contrary, it is abiding by the laws, which have been clearly defined in our society. The longer any individual maintains a viewpoint of it being charity, as well as an unnecessary expense, the more obstacles the Deaf will be forced to jump, in order to be counted as being worthy of equality.

There are no individuals, within our society, that are superior to another. There are no individuals that are to be regarded as being worthy, while others are regarded as less than worthy. All individuals possess the ability to pursue their dreams, with the highest hopes in achieving them. There are no jobs which are set apart for a certain class of individuals, while others that are viewed as belonging to a lower class, must simply settle in and accept their lot in life. Some seem to be of the belief that it is more of an earned privilege to be counted as an equal, than as a legal and societal right. Furthermore, some believe that not all are equal in regards to employment. I am hard of hearing, and if I put my mind to it, and acquire adequate job training, I can do whatever any hearing person can do. The only difference between myself and a hearing person, is that they can hear clearly, while I cannot. This will never affect my ability to perform a job. I am your equal, as is every other Deaf individual in our society.