Being deaf or hard of hearing can be a challenge almost
anywhere. However, traveling via airplane can up the ante even more. Sure, it
seems easy enough—and to some it very well may be—but to many deaf/HOH
travelers (especially the ones flying solo) the airport can seem most daunting.
As some of my readers already know, my husband, Kenny, works
for TSA at the airport here in Grand Rapids, MI. He also signs rather well
since he’s got to be able to communicate with me and I can ‘t lipread. Well, for a while he started noticing that
some of the people on their way in or out of the airport seemed rather
confused. He decided to approach some of these people and speak and sign at the
same time just to see if, maybe, those people were deaf/HOH. As it turned out,
more often than not, they were and they were ecstatic to find a government
employee who could help them out enormously.
The more this took place, the more often Kenny would be
asked signs and etiquette questions by other TSA members. It seemed to be a
real concern that most TSA workers wanted to help solve. So, what did Kenny do?
Kenny created a program for workers to be able to learn signs and communicate
and assist deaf/HOH travelers easier and more comfortably.
I caught up with him recently to interview him about such
program (he works two jobs and naps…I never see the man…that’s why I “caught
up.” Wink)
Q: Can you describe, in your own words, what exactly the
program entails?
A: The program involves learning a little about Deaf
Culture, such as how to get someone’s attention, points of contact, ABCs, and
all basic phrases and vocabulary involved in TSA experience.
Q: And how do you think this program would help the TSA employees?
A: It allows security officers to interact with the deaf/HOH
population more personally.
Q: How did you come about the decision to start this?
A: I got a lot of encouragement from my wife (SIDE NOTE: I
did NOT pay him to say that). I had deaf travelers come through the airport and
I was able to help, but only me. I was able to do it rather smoothly and that
really impressed my team and they started asking me to please show them how to
do that, too.
Q: Have you or others had any use of it so far?
A: Yes! I’ve had two officers who have had multiple
experiences with deaf travelers and the deaf have told me how appreciative they
are that people at the Grand Rapids airport can interact!
Q: Give me an example.
A: One time a deaf woman came through and the officer at the
front knew she was deaf because she had a note pinned to her shirt: “I’m deaf.
I need to go to such and such place on Delta.” The officer got my attention
and, when I started to sign with her she was elated and the officer wanted to
learn to be able to do that, too. In fact, there was another officer who didn’t
remember all of the program, but started pointing and gesturing and writing
down whatever was needed. He never forced her to lipread since she said she
couldn’t.
Q: How do you know sign language?
A: My wife’s Deaf and she’s helped a lot.
Q: How long have you been signing?
A: Fifteen years.
Q: On a scale of 1- 10, how good are you?
A: I’d say I’m good. 7.
Q: Have you had any interest in the program outside of your
specific airport?
A: Yes. I’ve had many people inside TSA contact me for information
on Sign Language.
Q: Where? How did you respond?
A: In the West Michigan area I’ve taught people in Muskegon,
Kalamazoo, and Manistee. But I’ve sent information to people in Colorado, Florida,
Illinois, and Boston. I’ve always responded enthusiastically that I’m here and
ready to help.
Q: What would you say to other TSA employees who want to
learn your program?
A: The program is readily available and I’ve both a manual
and a DVD instruction video that helps them understand the questions they need
to ask (sign phrases) and how to interact appropriately to deaf/HOH travelers
and to remember that everyone has different needs. Be open minded.
Well, I for one am most proud. Kenny’s book and DVD is
wonderful and took a LOT of work. I just wish the program would start spreading
over the US, helping all airports have this kind of support available. Pretty
cool, eh?
