Few things make my skin crawl like hearing someone say to my husband or students how amazing it is that they can be "so involved/independent/intelligent even through their disability." Or even worse giving me credit for it as if I did the work, because I'm apparently so "amazing and they surely couldn't do it without me." The fact that people are so narrow minded is maddening.
First off let me make clear that the students I interpret for excel because they are driven individuals who set goals, reach for the stars, and blow off small minded people who have low expectations for their potential. They work hard, don't give up, and follow through. For my students, I make sure they have the necessary tools and skills to use them, and just as any other student, their teachers/coaches make sure they have the needed knowledge. And, just like anyone else, the students I interpret for put in the work necessary to achieve their goals. I do my job, I advocate, I teach them to advocate, I give them the reins, I make sure they know how to use interpreters appropriately, and I attempt to connect them with multiple forms of community support. I do my job. I love my job, but know that if I wasn't there to do it someone else would be.
Secondly, how is it so hard to believe that someone can adapt to their surroundings. Species have have been doing it since the dawn of time. So they are deaf or visually impaired - why should that diminish their ability to learn to adapt? As far as R. is concerned I helped him find needed resources, made sure he is well aware of his rights, and do my share of advocacy. But again, his ability to achieve is all on him. He is the one who will complete his degree in Computer Networking in a few months from Western Governors University. He's the one that has passed the multiple computer certification tests. He's the one that has taken over the kitchen and adapted it to his unique preferences. The fact that you think these things an impossibility for someone with a significant visual impairment shows only your ignorance. However, ignorance we're willing to work with, it's when ignorant people refuse to come out of their box and be educated, or when the educated continue to create perceived limitations that we have problems. At that point you are the limited, as well as limiting, one - not others.
I guess the point I'm getting to is this:
Encouragement and praise as you would offer any "normal" person is always welcome. Your amusement caused by your inability to see outside your box is information you're welcome to keep to yourself. I also don't need to hear your insistence that they couldn't have done it without me. That is a fallacy that not only shows your limited perspective but also tells me much of your views of the human spirit. Frankly, I have enough of my own issues to work through without adding your jaded humanitarian expectations to the pile.
