If you act like they're handicapped, they get pissy. The interpreter goes to the bathroom, leaving me alone in a room with nine deaf girls I've never met. Some of the girls smile back, some check me out covertly, some ignore me and chat in sign with their friends.
Minutes tick away.
I fiddle studiously with my tape recorder. Later, when I share my feelings of mortification and discomfort with her, she just smiles. Now you know how they feel around hearing people all the time. Kids are grouped by need instead of age. I'm here to get the kids' perspective on the blossoming Deaf rights movement.