The Daily Dispatch

Research estimates about 11 percent of Americans suffer from some kind of hearing issue, according to Gallaudet University, a liberal arts school for the deaf and hard-of-hearing in Washington, D.C.

As fewer than that are considered "functionally deaf," many might not realize what these individuals experience. At North Dakota State College of Science, the Diversity Council is providing an informative session on the subject Thursday, April 30, for Disability Awareness Day.

Lori Vigesaa, a certified sign-language interpreter who often interprets on campus, will discuss the impact of hearing loss on individuals and relate her own experience growing up with deaf parents.

"I just look at some of the students I work with in the classroom, and even with a sign-language interpreter, they're not hearing the same information as the other 28 kids," said Joy Eichhorn, coordinator for disability services. "It's a real unique situation."

While the amount of deaf individuals is low in the Twin Towns, NDSCS staff and the public may benefit from the seminar. Colliny Jandt, a Wahpeton resident and currently the only interpreter in the city, said the issue extends outside the classroom.

"A lot of people don't realize the language barrier," said Jandt, who works for the Fergus Falls, Minn., Special Education Cooperative. "Just because a deaf person can read lips, they might be getting an English word but don't know what it means."

She said that's why it's so important for deaf people to advocate for themselves, especially in the workplace.

"Employers may not realize they are required by law to hire and pay for an individuals' interpreter," said Jandt. "They [also] might not realize there are interpreters around here, and it really isn't that difficult to schedule one in."

The NDSCS presentation will be featured at the Student Center's Red River Room at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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