Deaf/HoH divers and ASL signers

[kent_1848]

I knew a lot of ASL on my last job. 5 of the guys that worked for me were deaf. Unfortunately, when you don't use it, you lose it. I can still pick up what people are telling me, but I have to finger spell a lot of things. I think I'll pick up the Signing Naturally books. My wife took a Sea Signs course, and it was OK, but I wouldn't suggest it over ASL. Sea Signs doesn't do much for situations where I would definately want my buddy to understand.

 

[JodiBB]

kent...believe me when I say that as soon as you start using ASL again, it'll come right back to you!!

 

[kent_1848]

I hope so, I would like to have some people that I work with practice it with me, that was really nice. Also, it was good to learn like you said "how to sign", not just how the sign is made...& they taught me all of the things that books won't teach you either

 

[JodiBB]

kent...that's what I like about the "Signing Naturally" series...it teaches you the grammar, the facial expressions and "how to sign"....Too many times, the books just teach you how to "gloss" the signs rather than how to sign...the accompanying videotapes/DVDs will allow you to practice what you're learning...good luck!

 

[kent_1848]

Thanks, I just looked them up, $59.95 at Amazon...that is a lot of airfills...I need to just find some deaf friends that want to dive! Or find some friends that want to be able to communicate underwater better and share the cost of the books.

 

[JodiBB]

They're on ebay for much less! Check it out there!! Or come out to So Cal and we can practice on a boat or underwater!

 

[Knight]

Know a commerical diver (welder) who been in the business for at least 20 years, hardworker and always reliable never have a problem at all diving with him.

Always descending,
c.h.

 

[bluesbro1982]

Hey guys:

Stupidly enough I started a thread in the new divers forum before searching for this one...

Long story short, I have a friend with a cochlear implant who is probably going to not be married in the near future. A hobby where we get to buy expensive toys and take in the outdoors would be a good thing, but I'm not sure if anyone else with an implant has had success and / or if it's doctor OK'd in certain cases. Any thoughts?

link to the other thread:

http://scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=149066

 

[JodiBB]

bluesbro....I just went diving with a D/HH person who had a CI as well...his MD cleared him for up to 60', which is all he wanted for the OW certification. He needs to talk to his own MD of course, but I wanted to give you an encouraging outcome.

I'll post this in your other thread too, just in case.

 

[subageezer]

While not deaf, I am significantly HOH with severe high frequency loss necessitating bilateral aids. I remove my aids in my car ($6000 and no insurance will cover them). Recently OWC, I did have some concerns about the impact my hearing would have but thus far it has been minimal. It is very encouraging to know that those with a greater defecit than my own are diving.

While not likely to be incorporated universally into the dive community, ASL training could certainly improve dive communications. Perhaps even a short couse inclusive of common diver communications. Well, like I said, not likely to be endorsed but it is still very encouraging to hear there are deaf divers.