Our Response

James A. Schneck, Executive director
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services of Lancaster County
630 Janet Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17601

As an advocate for hard of hearing and late deafened persons, I was gratified at your inclusion of these groups in the announcement for a case manager for your organization. Your statement of purpose and your list of functions carefully included the phrase “deaf and hard of hearing” at every opportunity. Again, let me express my gratitude for the spirit of inclusion.

However, I was troubled at the stated qualifications for this position, which include "Experience in the Social Services field with the Deaf; preferable Masters Degree in Social Work or Counseling the Deaf or related field. Person MUST be fluent in American Sign Language.

As you are undoubtedly aware, 95% of the people who have a hearing loss are either hard of hearing or late deafened. These people are traditionally underserved by organizations that purport to serve the “deaf and hard of hearing”. I notice that you are very clear in your requirements that your case manage be knowledgeable concerning Deaf Culture and able to communicate with your Deaf patrons using American Sign Language.

I am dismayed that you appear to be making no effort to recruit a person who is knowledgeable concerning hard of hearing and late deafened persons, or that is experienced in dealing with them. Neglect of 95% of the deaf and hard of hearing community hardly seems an appropriate method of serving them.