Photo by: Deaf RED Bear

Some of you may remember the original list of “Characteristics of a Well-Adjusted Deaf Person” written by Allen E. Sussman, Ph.D.:

1. Positive self-concept and self-esteem
2. Positive psychological acceptance of deaness
3. Ability to effectively compensate for deafness
4. Ability to cope with negative and devaluative attitudes
5. Assertiveness
6. Ability to place speech ability in perspective
7. Ability to place residual hearing in perspective
8. Positive attitude towards sign language
9. Effective interpersonal relationship and social skills
10. Ability to be self-reliant
11. Ability to ask for and use assistance where and when appropriate
12. Ability to survive misguidance
13. Philosophical and unhostile sense of humor
14. Gemeinschaft (fellowship, common purpose, community)

Another list was created some time ago, called, “Characteristics of a Healthy Deaf Person.” This list was given to me by my then co-worker, Amy Cohen-Efron, while we worked together at the Washington School for the Deaf (WSD). Amy reminded me of it’s origin:

“I read your post via sidekick. I smiled because it was me who gave you this paper. Some of this list, the first few statements, was written by MJ Bienvenu, and the rest was developed from a group of bi-bi supporters, (including me) at the Indiana School for the Deaf in 1991, when I was an intern. I asked the group to come up with a list.” I gave you that paper while we were at WSD. Did you remember me giving that to you?”

Now, I do remember Amy sharing this with the Counseling staff. I found this paper in one of my old counseling material files just yesterday, and I knew it was good to review and share. I’m glad Amy reminded me of where it came from. This list is as follows:

1. “I’m Deaf and I’m OK.”
2. Bilingual - Proficient and fluent in both languages (ASL and English)
3. Empowered
4. Ability to deal with oppression, prejudice and negative attitudes
5. Positive introspection as a Deaf Person
6. Member in core Deaf Community
7. Ability to be responsible for one’s own actions
8. Ability to adapt to the environment
9. Ability to use effective means of communication

Questions:

1) From the above 2 lists, can you determine which of the characteristics are pathologically or medically inclined, and which are culturally inclined?

2) With the advent of the term “deafhood,” and the more common place use of CI’s among the deaf community, have these lists of ‘characteristics’ changed or evolved?

Care to comment?

Posted by LaRonda on Friday, September 28th, 2007 at 11:15 am.