I am an American Sign Language interpreter and I can't tell you how many times I have encountered physicians and medical professionals that ask, "can't they ready lips?" My response is normally very polite and includes and explanation of ASL, Deafness and the statistical success of lipreading. However, inside I am screaming... "Maybe they can read your lips... they means they can understand you a little... BUT can you read their hands?" After all, aren't they the patient? Aren't they here to tell you what ails them so that you can assess the situation and make a recommendation for treatment?
Doctor Hardy is incredible! I don't think it has ever occurred to her to ask such silly questions or to attempt to write back and forth! It seems to me that her thinking process is pretty simple...
I have a Deaf patient...
I don't sign...
They aren't verbal...
I need an interpreter!
Voila!
Brilliant isn't it!
If that were the only thing that made Dr. Hardy stand out, she would be incredible. BUT, it doesn't stop there! She actually takes the time to explain to the patients in plain and clear terms everything that they need to know! For example, those graphic little models that sit around the exam rooms, the intestines, the brain, the lungs, the spine... she actually uses those! She picks her hands up and tries to describe what things look like! One time she even told me to turn around and started explaining things about the spine, with MY spine, I was signing one handed over my shoulder! She got her point across, and that is all that matters! All that matters to the patients, all that matters to me, and all that matters to her!
So, I am sending smiles to Doctor Hardy because she deserves tons of them!
This stamp is from the Mo Manning collection and is called, "Luv Ya Tomorrow."
This card will be entered into the following challenges...
Lily Pad "Hero Arts Presents" - A Sketch Challenge
Moxie Fab World - Tuesday Trigger - "Delightfully Random."
3 comments:
She sounds wonderful! Very cute card! I sign, but I'm not fluent enough to interpret. I thought about pursuing my license, but never ended up doing it....
Hi Jingle!!!!! Thank you for the comments. I became a follower of your blog. :-)
How cool that you know sign language!! Michele and I own an interpreter referral agency here in NC. We love the language, love the business, and love our Deaf community.
Where did you learn sign?
Hey Josee! Thanks for linking this up to this week's Tuesday Trigger in the Moxie Fab World! I'm so glad you joined in on all the fun! :)
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