Lounge for Deaf people and their allies

[starryeyes]

Where is your mother from? I might be able to point you in the direction of resources.

Also, check out ALOHA (it used to be a nationwide organization but I am only finding an AZ chapter?)
http://alohaaz.org

Originally Posted by Kelt

Hi, I'm new to this thread. I am hearing fine but my mother is pretty far gone in hearing loss. She has hearing aids that seem to help some but are largely useless on the phone. I saw her last summer and discovered it is the same in person. She has developed the smile and nod response. She is also getting bats in the belfry.

My concern; she relies on my father to do everything, literally. Communication with the outside world is through him, even with me now. He is going to die sooner rather than later and the managing of her will go to me. I live 1000 miles away and may be even further in the next year or so.

I email her occasionally and she forgets to reply, regardless, when my father is gone someday the computer will have some hiccup and that will be the end of that. She cannot/will not learn texting and doesn't have a cell phone anyway. I think it would be too complicated for her. She does not embrace tech.

My question to this thread; are there any old school tools I can show her that would help her to communicate when the time comes? I remember TTYD (?) is this still viable and is it easy to use (and does anyone else use it)? Are there other tools I should be aware of? Maybe a book about losing hearing that she could read with tips? I am afraid she will be helpless and ready to be taken advantage of by others. The world she lives in is roughly 1950 and not apt to change. She is smart, with a masters degree so some of this could be a case of "if I don't do it I won't have to do it" but it is hard to tell.

Ideas?

ETA: I am new to this world and really hope I haven't said anything offensive. If so, please educate me.

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by starryeyes

Where is your mother from? I might be able to point you in the direction of resources.

Also, check out ALOHA (it used to be a nationwide organization but I am only finding an AZ chapter?)
http://alohaaz.org

Thanks for the tip, it gives me some terminology to search with. She is in Washington state.

[nycfem]

Hi, Kelt,

I love the book "Deaf Culture our Way" by Samuel K Holcomb.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158121149X/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"]Deaf Culture, Our Way: Anecdotes from the Deaf Community: Samuel K. Holcomb, Thomas K. Holcomb, Roy K. Holcomb: 9781581211498: Amazon.com: Books[/ame]

I think your mom would get a kick out of it. It's written from an older person's perspective (also, shows a less techy perspective). They keep updating it, though, so it's not like the information itself is outdated. But it's light with a little humor and down to earth. It's informational, both for the one hearing and the one who is hard of hearing or deaf (In other words, I think you'd enjoy it and learn from it too.). It's a simple quick read, very cute and helpful.

I also liked:

"A Survival Guide for New Deafies" by Amy Sargent

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/061547361X/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"]A Survival Guide for New Deafies: Amy Sargent: 9780615473611: Amazon.com: Books[/ame]

This is by a woman who lost her hearing gradually as an adult. It's also written in a light, down to earth style. By the way, in the hard of hearing / Deaf culture, "deafies" is an endearing term (not a mockery). Again, this might be helpful to you and your mom.

Does your mom like to do snail mail? That's about as low tech as you can get and can be fun!