So, have you heard the one about the man who pulled up to the DRIVE-THROUGH ATM, put in his card, and then noticed Brailed numbers…?” (Imagine understanding nods and laughter from the audience.)
Have you ever found yourself wondering:
Why would someone who is deaf have a radio in the car, let alone an enhanced stereo sound system? Or even be interested in music at all?
Why would someone who is blind purchase a car?
Why would someone who doesn’t use a wheelchair have an accessible parking permit?
Why would someone who is not blind use a service animal?
Like the Braille ATM ‘joke’ above, many of these observations have been the subject of much banter. On the surface, they seem like legitimate questions. Our implicit biases assume that these are ridiculous questions to even consider, and that there are no reasons for having so many accessible parking spaces, accessible ATMs, or sign language interpreters at music venues.
But the joke is on the jokers! To answer the above questions:
- Blind passengers may need to use the ATM from the back of a cab or uber; or may have a friend/family member who is taking them to the ATM. Blind customers benefit from a drive-through ATM too!
- Deaf drivers have hearing riders with them who enjoy the music. Additionally, deaf drivers participate through the vibration of the music, using the tactile effects of soundwaves for sensory enjoyment.
- Not all drivers with accessible parking permits use wheelchairs. Many have invisible disabilities that limit their ability to walk, or to walk long distances, such as heart issues, lung issues, mobility issues that don’t require a wheelchair. Just because I can’t see the disability doesn’t mean there isn’t one.
- Service animals meet many more needs than for those who are blind or have low vision! SAs assist many with disabilities that are hidden, such as someone with a seizure disorder, or PTSD, or hearing loss.
- Have you ever purchased or rented a vehicle for another person to use? Many blind individuals purchase vehicles for others to drive, including for the purpose of being their chauffeur.
Are you a fan of the music group The Grateful Dead? Their fans are affectionately known as ‘DEADheads’. Well, are you familiar with their fans knowns as ‘DEAFheads’? Desiring to connect with all of their fans, their concerts began featuring American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters back in the 1980s, way before the ADA was law. They allocated specific sections during concerts close to interpreters as well as provided video screens that focused on the band to enable lip reading. The Deafhead fans would go even further to experience the Dead concerts, by holding inflated balloons to physically experience the vibrations from the speakers.
So - who says deaf patrons can’t appreciate music?! Check out these personal testimonies:
Beyond the Artist: Dead & Company and the Deafheads - YouTube
The Grateful Dead's Zone for 'Deafheads' - YouTube
Remember - “The hardest assumption to challenge is the one you don’t even know you are making.” Learn more about implicit bias, invisible disabilities, service animals and much more from our free online training courses @ Training | Rocky Mountain ADA.