A Date with My Friend Who is Deaf.

By: Sarah Martin

     For this assignment, I decided to take a friend of mine, who is deaf, on a date.  He lost his hearing when he was around eight.  At this point he can’t hear at all but he is fantastic at reading lips.  We decided to do dinner at the park and then head over to Starbucks

The Park.

     We decided to do a picnic at the park for dinner, which was the absolute best choice.  We picked this place for a couple of reasons.  One main reason is because, as far as entertainment goes, being outside and people watching is both of our favorite things.  Nature has a strong meaning for both of us.  We feel like nature, even if it’s just a local park, allows us to be who we really are.  We both feel at home and, as lame as it sounds, “one with everything” when we are outdoors.  When choosing entertainment for this date, I had to keep in mind the best options for my friend.  He likes music, because he feels the vibrations, but a concert would have been overly stimulating for him and didn’t seem personable.  We talked about going to the movies but decided against it because he often misses parts of the dialogue without subtitles due to his lip reading.  The movie doesn’t always show the characters mouths and he said he would of rather done something else.  So we decided on the park for people watching and dinner.

      The activity at the park ranged depending on what part of the park you found yourself in.  In the middle of the park the activity was high due to the amount of people playing Frisbee and other games.  We decided to set up dinner a little ways off where we could still see everyone but where the activity was low.  Adaptability n the park is high because if we wanted to be in a relax place we could walk a little ways out but if we wanted to be with the crowd of people playing Frisbee we could just go to the field.  I never thought that adaptability could be high in a public space until my date and I had the chance to do whatever we wanted in our area.  We could sit or we could get up and kick a soccer ball around.  Where we were wasn’t crowded at all which led to a sense of privacy where we were sitting.  Sensory stimulation was the perfect amount. It was beautiful outside so there was a lot to take in.  Not many social interactions went on at the park between strangers so sociality wasn’t really an issue.  There was a couple that told us to have a great day but my friend understood them completely fine.  I think the park was the best option because it didn’t hinder our date by any means.  There was nothing major that my date had to struggle with.  

Starbucks

     Starbucks was a little bit different.  Starbucks was as crowded as it usually is on Friday nights.  We were still able to find a place where we could set across from each other, which is preferred when signing.  We had limited control over our table.  For example, people bumped into it, causing it to move numerous times.  Outside of our table we had no control/territorial claims to any space in Starbucks.  The crowd often led to the sensory stimulation being pretty high at times.  There was often a heavy flow of traffic waiting for the register.  This can be an overwhelming stimulation for the eyes because it can be hard not to get distracted by all the movement in your peripheral vision.  It’s important not to get distracted because then you miss part of the conversation when your eyes leave the hands of the person you are talking to.  However, it was nothing out of the usual and it was probably harder for me, someone who is new at sign language, then it was for my date.  Privacy for deep conversation could be pretty low at Starbucks if you were verbally talking.  However, when signing people rarely know what you are talking about.  So, while it’s not private in the “normal” sense it wasn’t bad at all.  We both had a good laugh at the people watching us from time to time.  Sociality in this case can be a tricky.  There is rarely a place that is equipped to communicate with people who are deaf.  While ordering drinks, my date told me what he wanted and I ordered.  If he was there by himself, he could of efficiently ordered because his verbal communication is just fine!  However, if it was harder for him to communicate it would have been a stressful situation.  If all else failed he could of written down his order.  However, not every deaf person writes. I wish more people decided to learn sign language so they could better socialize with people in the deaf community.  It would also be great because it would help people who are deaf not be so anxious to go somewhere alone.  If more people understood how to communicate in basic ASL it would be so empowering for those who are hearing impaired.  

     What I learned most from this experience is that people who are disabled are capable of so much.  I know that statement is so simple it almost seems dumb but it’s what I’m learning.  There were numerous times that the crowd distracted me and I had to ask my date to repeat his statement and 100% of the time I was amazed by his lip reading capability.  He could do everything I could do and he could do more things better than me.  One time I was talking to someone who was deaf and she said she doesn’t believe she’s disabled but instead she is blessed.  That stuck with me.  I think society tends to put people with disabilities in a box and pity them.  However, after interacting with my deaf friends I have realized over and over again how dangerous that frame of mind is because it counts people out.

Chinyere's 27th bday

My birthday was coming up and I wanted to go some places to celebrate. It was May 28, memorial weekend every year. I decided to get my god daughter so we can enjoy each others company while I was off and free. I had a list of places I wanted to go I wanted to go to the beach, apple bees, bowling, a BBQ and the mall. So first stop was to pick her up so we can start our adventures.

I picked her up from her grandmothers house off of Campbellton rd and drove back to Acworth. I gathered all of her things once we arrived in my drive way. I asked her what we should pick first for the next day for an adventure. She said she wanted to go to the BBQ that was being held at a park a couple of miles away.

The next day we got dressed to go into the heat. Upon arrival their wasn’t any crowding with the parking spots. The handicap spaces were spacious enough demonstrating control so if they had a wheel chair they wouldn’t have a problem hitting other cars near by. Their were ramps that lead to the picnic tables set for the event making it accessible and legible for everyone who may be handicapped. We ate some hamburgers and hot dogs. I really loved the watermelon. The weather was nice and we enjoyed ourselves with the festivities that were going on.

The next day we went to Apple bee's. I knew what I wanted already, It was my birthday and I wanted her to get the experience of ordering out. I ordered a quesadilla with cheese sticks and she ordered a pizza with pineapples. My god daughter was my date to all my events, she enjoyed the treatment. While getting seated I noticed how they had a table that was giving privacy to this young lady with a wheel chair. The table had enough room for her to sit comfortable and enough room to move out and in without hitting anything around the area. The flat top table arrangements have a lot of adaptability. My god daughter wanted to go to the bathroom and it seems like the only stool in there that was roomy with comfort was the handicapped one.

The next day we went to the beach. Both of us get so happy and feel a lot of meaning when we go. It's a breath of fresh air! The environment has a lot of Sensory Stimulation. The smells, the people, the sand on your feet and the water splashing. She had so much fun. She got a tan the next day, I should have gotten sunblock. I enjoyed my birthday last year. Now I wonder what I will do this year.

Every birthday should be filled with joy and be with the ones you love. I really don’t like every day out the year so I try to make my day the best. This year I will be 28 on the 28^th of May. I already order my cake from piece of cake. I wanted a red velvet and didn’t want any excuses of not having one this year. I may get my god daughter again. I really do enjoy her company.

Hawks and Wings

Hawks and Wings

For this assignment I pick my long time friend Nate to go with me to see the Atlanta Hawks play the Boston Celtics. We were both excited because it would be our first basketball game. Nate is classified as disable because at the age of 19 he had a motorcycle accident that left him with some mild sensory and motor skills damage. His mother was worried that he would not be able to handle the stimulation from the outing and made us promise to check in through the night.

Accessibility

Phillips Arena is very accessible for the millions that visit each year. There is ample parking for those who are physically handicap and for those who come to enjoy their first basketball game. I research their website and found out that the arena provides sign interpreters to guests with hearing disabilities upon request. They also offer patrons with special needs a great service. They have individuals call Guest Services Representative who will help guests to their seats, get refreshments for them or whatever else they may require. Everything is sign with big visible signs so that you can find your seats. Individuals were station at each entrance at the arena helping people find their way. I was glad for this service because I got so turn around when I went to the bathroom that I had to ask someone how to find my way back.

Activity

There were lots of activity going on within the game and restaurant. The arena had the most ongoing activity out of the two. In the arena there were pregame activities around the concession stands and the souvenirs booths. People were walking around selling food and auctioning raffle tickets. While the game was going on cheerleaders ran around the stands cheering people on. The big hawk ran around so much he made me tired just watching him.

Adaptability

At the restaurant the table and chairs could be moved to accommodate for large groups. We sat at the bar on stools that we moved closer together so we could talk. For the hour we were there for diner before the game the waiters did move around a lot of tables. The seating at the game was not so adaptable. We were assigned seating when we purchased our tickets. So the seats that we sat in were the only ones we could sit in without being physically removed.

Comfort

Each environment was overall comfortable which allowed us to enjoy our self during the date. The restaurant bar stools were hard for me to stay on because I am so short. I wish he had picked a booth so that I could have been more comfortable with the seating. The seating at the arena was not that better but it was low enough for me to be comfortable. The climate was great not to cold and not too hot, this allowed me to pay attention to each activity. 

Crowding

The arena was very crowded but that was expected so we made plans for that. We eat at Taco Mac and waited for the crowd to thin out before we left to fine our seats. When we entered the arena the noise and crowd was massive and high with energy. The wait to use the restroom was very long even though each entrance seemed to have its own bathroom. Leaving the arena was very difficult for us. The crowd in the hallway was very congested and some people were even pushing. This made it uncomfortable for my date and had to hold his hand to calm him.

Privacy

There was no privacy for us at the game. The seats were so close together that I felt like I was sitting on his lap. Our seats were on the end of the row which was good and bad. People kept moving around going to the bathroom and concession stands. So each time we had to get up and let them out it became annoying after awhile. The restaurant offered some privacy even though we sat at the bar. In the restaurant we could have a conversation and not feel like people were on top of us listening.

Sensory Stimulation

The game offered the most sensory stimulation with all the different colors and display signs. The building was colorful with moving flashing signs. Watching the players run up and down the court to watching the half time dancers kept you entertain. The arena tries to make everything interactive for its guest. At times I felt over stimulated with everything going on. My date enjoyed the game but toward the end he complained that he had a headache.

Sociality

The game was awesome! The seating was so close together that we had no other choice but to socialize. People cheered their team on while others booed. We laughed and gave high five to people who cheered the hawks. At times you forgot that you were sitting next to strangers and just enjoyed the events of the game.

Accessible Date Assignment Breanna Harville

            I was not able to go on a date with someone who was disabled so I had to imagine what it would be like when I went on a date with my boyfriend. For our date, we went to Chili’s for dinner and a then to a comedy show in Roswell following dinner. I do know some people who are physically disabled so I tried to imagine what the date would be like from their point of view.

Accessibility – When we went to dinner, it was around 6:00pm and it was more crowded than I had thought it would have been. The restaurant did have a ramp and close handicap parking, which was good for people using wheelchairs. When we walked into the restaurant, it was pretty crowded and there were many people standing and waiting. It would have been more helpful for the restaurant to have a bigger waiting area given that it gets pretty crowded in the evenings. Also, there wasn’t a good place to wait if you were in a wheelchair which limited accessibility. When we went to the comedy show, the venue was a bit more accessible. There was valet parking and a ramp to get into the venue and  which would make it more accessible for people with disabilities. However, once we got in the area in which we were seated was not very well lit so it could be harder for someone to find their way around.

Activity- Out of the two places, I think there was more activity going on in the restaurant than at the comedy show. The restaurant was more crowded and there were more people in a small space than at the comedy show. At the show, people trickled in over the course of the evening so it never felt very crowded and we had our own table so I think that also helped.

Adaptability- At dinner, the tables and chairs could be moved around to accommodate people who use wheel chairs. Although Chili’s was adaptable I think the comedy show was even more adaptable. You could have reserved a table prior to coming or there were seats available throughout the venue, you also had the option of sitting at the bar as well. At the tables, there was plenty of room and you could move the seats around to best accommodate your group.

Crowding – As I mentioned previously, the restaurant was more crowded than the comedy show. After the show was over however, the venue turns into sort of a night club where people can dance and get drinks and food. After the show was over, it got more crowded but you could still move around very easily.

Sensory Stimulation- At dinner, once seated there was not much sensory stimulation; I think this is because we were sitting in the back of the restaurant so we were pretty much to ourselves. At the comedy show, the lights were a bit low so there was not much visual stimulation other than the performers on stage however, the volume of the microphone could have been lower.

Sociality – At dinner, the only real social interaction we had was with each other and our waiter, but the comedy show promoted more social interaction. We got there early and go seated and we were able to speak with the people who were around us. During the show, one of the comedians sort of picked on people in the audience, one of which happened to be my boyfriend, which was funny. After the show, the venue turns into a night club and people become more social because you are able to move more freely throughout the venue which helps you socialize.

Meaning – I think it is a part of American culture to go out to eat either on a date of with a group of friends. For me, I really like going out to eat to different places, tasting different foods and people watching so I think that both parts of our date were fun and offered good experiences. I personally do not know anyone who does not enjoy laughing so I think the comedy show was a good way to relax and have a good time.

Privacy- There really was no real privacy throughout our date. From a disabled person’s perspective, it would be hard to get any privacy because my apartment is up a flight of stairs and there is no elevator in my complex and my boyfriend’s apartment is down a flight of stairs, there is no ramp up to the building and his apartment complex has no elevators either. If I was on a date with a disabled person we would either have to find an area that gave us some privacy or go to their place that would offer more accessibility to them.

Overall, I think this was a good assignment for me. I think because I’m used to going out with able bodied people I don’t think about how people with disabilities get around and how the environment is or is not catered to them. I think the places that I went on this date were fun and offered a new scenario for not only myself but also my date. I think I struggled to find a private location because of where my apartment and my date’s apartments are located but I think overall I had a great experience and I learned so much. 

Accessible Date Assignment- Jessica Dean

Jessica Dean

Accessible Date Assignment

            For this is assignment, I took Shelly, who is a paraplegic, to Provino’s Italian Restaurant, where they had live entertainment. We then went to the park and talked. I asked her several questions about her life and how different it was to be in a wheelchair. It was a very interesting and eye-opening experience.

Accessibility
            As we arrived at the restaurant, there was a ramp provided, so Shelly could access the door. However, the doors were fairly small, so we had to open both doors side-by-side (they were French-styled). Also, there were two sets of doors, so after we got into the restaurant, I had to rush ahead of her to open the second set of doors. I thought that could have been a little challenging if she had been alone. The rest of the restaurant was very spacious, making it easier for her to get around. The park was very accessible because it had paved paths throughout the whole area, but it would have been difficult for Shelly to stray from the pavement.

Activity
            There was minimal activity when we first arrived at the restaurant. However, there was a party of about 12 who came in about halfway through our experience, but it was not very disrupting. The staff made sure to put them in a place where they were not disturbing others and gave them their own room to dine in, which I thought was best. Overall, it was a very relaxing environment. They also had a live band playing Italian music, but it was not very loud, so we could still easily speak to each other. There were several people at the park, being that the weather was wonderful, but everyone still had plenty of personal room.

Adaptability

            The restaurant consisted of both booths and tables with movable chairs, making it easy for Shelly to pull her wheelchair up to the table. Having the moving chairs and tables, the restaurant could easily cater to any number of people. The booths were not able to move, restraining them from holding more than four people. I noticed a patio section outside the restaurant as well, also having chairs and tables that move. This section was a bit small, though, so a larger party would probably have to sit inside. There was limited adaptability at the park, most everything there was attached to the ground (the playground, benches, trashcans, etc.).

Comfort
            We both agreed that the environment was fairly comfortable. My chair was wooden, with no padding on the back, so I was a little uncomfortable by the end of our meal. However, the lighting was set perfectly, to my liking; not too bright and “in-your-face”, but bright enough to easily see everything. At the park, we found the comfort to be limited. There were not many benches to sit on, and the ones we did find were being either occupied or dirty.

Crowding
            When we first came into the restaurant, it was not crowded at all. There were a few servers in the lobby, and a few customers at their tables, but overall it was very spacious. When the big party came into the lobby, the area seemed to get a little crowded but we were already sitting at that point, so it did not affect us. The lobby was big enough, though, that everyone still seemed to have their own personal space. The park we visited was crowded in some areas but everyone had plenty of space to spread out.

Privacy
            If the restaurant had been more crowded, I imagine there would be limited privacy. We were not sitting near any other people when we went, so we had a decent amount of privacy. I noticed there were two booths that were for couples and they had a curtain separating them from the rest of the restaurant, so that was probably the place with the most privacy. Most of the booths were close together, so I think the privacy there was very limited. The park had several spots were anyone could get privacy.

Sensory Stimulation
            At the restaurant, there was a lot of sensory stimulation. The walls were all dark, warming colors and there were several vintage-looking pictures on the walls. The lighting was pleasant and there was sunlight shining through the windows, along with candles on each table. The music was complementary as well and it went nicely with our lunch. The park had more simple stimulation, with it being lit by the sun and all we had around us were trees and grass.

Sociability
            The restaurant was very sociable. The staff were very nice and interested in what we had to say. It was nice, though, because if we wanted privacy for the two of us, the servers did not over step their boundaries and were very respectful. At the park, most other people kept to their groups, but there was a lot of socializing taking place.
            

Date with My Deaf Cousin

When I first heard of the assignment to venture out on a date with a person with a disability, I instantly knew who I wanted to take – my seventeen-year-old cousin, Bentley. Bentley is completely deaf in his left ear, and almost 60 percent deaf in his right ear, when he doesn’t wear his hearing aid.

            Although I’ve gone out with Bentley plenty of times before, I wanted to take him out again – this time paying close attention to the environment and the way it affected him. I called him to explain the assignment and asked if he would participate. His response was that he would do anything if he got a free dinner and movie out of it.

Three years ago before Senior prom

            I decided to take him to Panera Bread for dinner. The first thing I noticed was that when the cashier asked if we were ready to order, Bentley didn’t hear her. I had to ask Bentley if he was ready, and then we proceed to step up to the counter to place our order. After Bentley ordered his meal, the cashier asked if he wanted an apple, bread, or chips with his meal, which he didn’t hear at first, either, until I asked him again. The concept of sociality is not something that is easily exhibited by the cashiers at Panera Bread – the counters separating the customer from the employee keeps them from being able to get Bentley’s attention without using their voice (something he can’t easily hear). Since I wasn’t separated from him and have full use of my hearing, I could then touch his shoulder to get his attention or talk into his right ear to make sure he knows to listen. 

Eating Broccoli Cheddar soup

            When we had our food and were sitting at the table, I asked Bentley what kind of things helped or hurt his ability to hear. He pointed out the giant fabric-wrapped acoustic sound panels that lined the walls. These panels helped control the noise level inside the walls of the restaurant, making it easier for him to hear. The activity level in Panera Bread is also generally mellow – soft music, low talking, and people usually try to space themselves out. This also helps him be able to hear me when I talked to him.

The acoustic panels at the top of the wall

            Next, we went to the dollar movie theatre to see “The Guilt Trip.” Although the movie was terrible, there were lots of problems that Bentley experienced. Movie theatres are not very accessible to deaf people. There aren’t any ways to get subtitles on the screen, and when people laugh, Bentley missed out on hearing the lines said next. He had no control over the noise level of the audience or the movie, and the environment wasn’t adaptable for him at all. I asked Bentley how he’d feel about having some kind of glasses to wear that would allow him to see subtitles on the screen, but he said it would feel like an invasion of privacy – everyone would notice his disability. It would also affect his comfort level, knowing that everyone would be able to tell he was deaf.

Going to see The Guilt Trip

            The audience during the movie was particularly loud (probably because it was a late-night movie), and I even found myself having a hard time hearing the movie. I couldn’t imagine what it was like for Bentley, so I leaned over and asked him if he could hear anything. He simply shook his head no, laughed, and kept eating the Twizzlers I bought him... at least he found some enjoyment out of the experience! The sensory stimulation in the theatre was simply too much for him, and without any way to aid his disability, he had no way to understand what was going on in the movie.

Nevertheless, it was a good excuse to spend some time with my cousin and get a chance to understand life from his perspective a little better than I did before.