I am a retired RN of 40 years. I remember all of the years of attending school back then and distinctly remember there was little taught about how to take care of any type of person with a disability. Our instructions were as Julie stated on the medical model of care for the usual disease processes which did not include deafness/hearing loss, any of the neurological diseases or brain diseases. When we had anything new such as the Flu/HIV-AIDS epidemics we had no textbooks for instructions but had to learn as we went from day one like with the COVID -19 is today. While hearing loss, deafness and neurological type of diseases that we are now familiar with weren't covered or discussed in depth we had little time or instructions on them.

I had hearing loss throughout my entire nursing education, never had hearing aids to help me, or anyone to help me with my studies. That was because I did not know I had a hearing loss all during those years. When I did finally have aids to help me - it was a shock to learn about and to see the world in a different perspective. The nursing profession at the time did not allow nurses to practice with any type of disability such as hearing loss or deafness since one can not assess their patients without the sensory capabilities. Faced with discrimination, isolation, rebuke and abandonment, I suddenly didn't belong to the nursing profession as they found me repulsive and inept. Patient care was difficult I agree because there were NO guidelines to follow in dealing with hearing loss, accept put a hearing aid in and work with it. That was it. NOW I was suddenly old and yet I was still young. Was that fair then?

With time I learned about SHHH and HLAA - met up with Julie and learned how to fend for myself. I spoke up because I did not like what I saw, felt and did within the profession. Still, today the nursing profession has a long way to go to learn about the many disabilities but in time will understand how to deal with all of us once they take care of us in the hospital settings. We have to be the teachers and owners of who we are and what we can do for ourselves. I have been doing that for some time and all of the doctors who care for me respect that and look forward to partnering with me to make sure I am well cared for. They take many of my tidbits and habits and incorporate them into their practices because they streamline their work and help to ease the communications between them and their patients. I am a partner with my doctors and nurses. I am NOT the enemy. That is why I continue to advocate for the things we need. Coming to the table equally.

I have our Clear Mask Campaign in this small hamlet in Sun City Center FL. We are a Senior Citizen community and plenty of deaf/hard of hearing people who use their facilities have been scared out of the wits by the pandemic. By sewing the clear windowed masks and offering them for FREE - the deaf/hard of hearing are coming out of their houses. This is one step to wellness. Keeping their aid/implants on their heads and being able to smile/read lips is the other. It makes the difference. I received two Grants for this campaign so that they can benefit. They can have one plus their caregiver can also have one. I have the hospital and hospices lining up. The retirement centers are also waiting in line. Grant moneys will be expanded if needed. With this mask campaign, I also educate them on the Hospital Kit that is available from HLAA and the proper way to wear and maintain mask care. My communication is by Next Door, Facebook and Zoom. I even visit their homes, I call them and they even come to my house. I make this easy so they are not afraid. We have snowbirds and home bound. They are all included because we are Florida and this is the SunShine state. And I just moved down here from WI one year ago.
So much for retirement!!!

Take heart. Be patient. Ask questions. Participate in anything where you can learn. Listen to your sixth sense because its right