Imagine being deaf and facing discrimination at work because of it. Does it exist? Is it a problem? Unfortunately the answer to that in many cases is yes. While I think the situation has improved in recent years, I do find people still mention being discriminated against at work because they are deaf. A matter of fact I faced those problems so many times that I actually wound up finding a way to work at home instead just so that I wouldn't have to deal with those a-holes anymore.
Discrimination takes many forms. It can be outright and blatant and this is where anti-discrimination laws come in. There is recourse for this kind of discrimination. However it is the more subtle discrimination which are the hardest to take and deal with, as the subtle kind is often harder to prove as being actual discrimination.
Here's how to deal with the small stuff.
Bullying
Some people report they are treated as ‘dumb’ and given the lowliest tasks, often below their ability, experience, skills or education. It is a bullying tactic but it is hard to pin down and stop and harder to prosecute.
Stand up for yourself, explain you don’t mind doing these tasks but you would be better used in other areas. If need be talk to your boss and explain the situation and demonstrate your skills.
Discrimination by omission
Her colleagues talk among themselves often from a distance. Other hearing colleagues around her can hear but she can’t. She can tell they are talking but has no idea what is being said. She misses out on the camaraderie of her colleagues as well as information about what is needed on the job. Some colleagues make the effort to come and talk to her – but it is just that – an effort. And after a while the effort becomes too hard and so she gets left out more and more.
This is difficult to overcome and possibly the only way is to ask for information about what is needed on the job to be put in writing. Form a buddy system with another colleague and ask them to keep you filled in.
Get help
A recent article in a local newspaper states that “on average people who have difficulty hearing earn up to $12,000 a year less than for their peers who use hearing aids”. So wearing a hearing aid, baha or Cochlear Implant improves your changes of getting and keeping work. Most people who have a hearing problem take on average up to 6 years to get a hearing aid once they need it so people are being discriminated against in remuneration. Heed the warning signs and get help with an aid.
Believe in yourself
Employers find it hard to believe that someone who cannot hear properly and who cannot use a phone could be a good employee. This is particularly hard for the late deafened adult. They may find they lose their job because they can no longer perform in the same way they had before. It takes a very understanding employer to help in this kind of situation. Obvious discrimination can be prosecuted but you do need a strong case and have to be strong to hold up against opposition.
Some solutions
For the hearing impaired who work in an office, the biggest issue is not being able to use a phone. Using a phone has become a mainstay of the way work how we communicate with other companies and our customers.
• The internet is great. These days much phone work can be done via the internet and it provides a written record of what has been done.
• Video phones are also entering the market and allow deaf people to use a phone and lip read.
• SMS is another way of getting around phone use and
• if necessary ask for a TTY and an interpreting service.
• For those with the equipment Skype can be an excellent way to establish contact computer to computer contact again with video link making it easier to understand the speaker.
Some of these technologies aren’t ‘perfect’ yet because the video doesn’t synchronize with the sound but it will only get better.
Research your options and ask your employer to provide you with the equipment you need. He is actually under an obligation to do so.
Legal Rights Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Ordinary rude or uncivil behavior towards a deaf employee does not legally qualify as workplace harassment. What does qualify is negative behavior that is "severe" and "pervasive" to the point of creating a hostile or abusive environment. As an example that qualifies, the EEOC cites the fictional case of a man who has lost his hearing and whose co-workers frequently tease him for being deaf.
Legal Cases - Deafness and Workplace Harassment
In the Case of Lily Spencer (plaintiff) vs. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (defendant) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, Spencer cited incidents that she said resulted in a hostile work environment at Wal-Mart because of her deafness. She claimed there was hostility when she requested interpreters, employees refused to communicate by writing notes, and she was followed too closely. In addition, her son testified in court that her supervisor had called her "stupid." Plus, her efforts to communicate and teach fellow employees sign language was greeted with hostility.
In another case, Mason vs. Wyeth (2006), ordinary teasing and pranks on a deaf employee were not considered harassment because all the hearing employees were also subject to teasing and pranks.
for more information, look here: http://www.nad.org/...
If all else fails, Do your best to find a job where you can work at home like I did. If possible, you can ask to see if your company/profession would allow you to work at home. Having a computer, internet and video calls at home makes it very possible for you to carry out your job very effectively. Even go the self-employment route.
I did that to avoid having to deal with any more workplace discrimination... it was fortunate that the company I worked for were highly understanding, and had allowed a trial run where I would work from home. They discovered that when I didn't have to deal with bullies or idiots who refused to relay information to me just because of my Deafness, that I was able to focus more on working. I was far more effective at data-crunching than any of their workers, when left to my devices and no longer having to personally depend on coworkers who refused to speak to me.
Of course, it's not for everyone. A lot of Deaf people can easily get very bored sitting at their computer almost all day in their own homes. I confess that I often get distracted by other things on the internet that I almost forget that I'm supposed to be working. Almost.
Also chances are that if you're a very social person, you may miss some of the interaction that you had with your co-workers. The ones who you actually liked because they didn't act like massive D-bags to you like the other co-workers did.
But on the plus side, it allows you to get though work faster. So it gives you plenty of free time to enjoy life more. Spend more time with your family, etc. put in more hours on that favorite video game.
You can always join clubs to get social interaction out of your own family. And the best part? You don't feel obligated to interact with people you don't like just because they happen to be your co-workers. So there is that too.