As being a Deaf person for a long-time, I would always get a question before I am going to take part in an event, the question is "Do you prefer a sign language interpreter or captioning/ typing?" My answer for sure is to request both as well. But, someone says that can not provide both as well and only wants to pick one up.
What do I prefer when I should pick only one between two options? Why do people think that all Deaf people only have one choice, by just providing a sign language interpreter without a person who works for captioning?
Deaf people have various backgrounds and ways of communication. Nobody just speaks sign language. There are anybody fluents in reading-lips and also both ways at the same time. So, that's various. Nobody could judge that Deaf people should only pick one of another option should Deaf people have. Deaf skills are different and that's should be honored, make sure Deaf people can feel comfortable with access to what they need and have the freedom to pick whatever they want to.
I am a native sign language, but I do not feel totally understand sign language well because sign language is my second language and Indonesian is my first language. So, I always need captioning to make sure I can understand what they are talking through captioning. I also need a sign language interpreter but when I talk in sign language, an interpreter will translate what am I talking in sign language. And when you're talking, a captioner will work for captioning. However, it's a formal event, so when is just informal and hanging out, I would only need a sign language interpreter without captioning. That's all depends on the situation.
So, I keep asking for both accesses when someone wants to invite me. That's my request, absolutely because it makes I feel easier to understand and be better than I just have a sign language interpreter or captioning. My clear request is to need both accesses, a sign language interpreter, and captioning. But if you only have a limited sign language interpreter available, that's understandable and you can provide captioning instead so that I will talk by typing on the chatroom or something else. That's about I and you do understand and make adjusting the accessibility well as my condition or Deaf people want to do. That's very important.
I hope people will understand what I want to do and will be prepared for what I have requested.
Thank you, everyone!
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