I know this is probably a few days late but just came across this article. Now this is an interesting perspective, I am deaf as well - and I have a bilateral cochlear implant. Now I have been working in the IT industry for over 16 years as a developer, infrastructure support guy and more. I have worked for companies such as IBM, Shell Oil Company which of course required alot of interaction. One thing though we the deaf individual have to be proactive and we can't be reactive. Most of the time the hearing counterparts really do not know what we can or can't do. Unless we become a bit more assertive. Now but one thing I am a bit puzzled, you indicate you don't want to be a part of the deaf community - but what about organizations and individuals who are part of HLAA? Hearing Loss Association which is really more geared to "oral" deaf individuals but not necessarily in an ASL format. I am not really understanding this part. I am very involved in the deaf community, as well interact with people from HLAA and as well part of the hearing community. But I have to be proactive to make things happen. And don't look as one or two people from the deaf community and think they ALL are like that because they aren't. It would be like everyone reading your article right now and thinking all of us are like you - but we aren't. I chose NOT to think in a negative light and think positively. It is a tiring job but it is the only way we can educate our peers otherwise we get lost in the limelight. And honestly society nowadays are much more sensitive and understanding about people with disabilities than in the past. I admire your passion to really get out there - and admire the fact that you wrote an article on this. But the same time - think positively life is too short! :) And also - the talk about getting with a deaf or hard of hearing girl and having deaf/hoh babies is unrealistic. It has to come from the genes (like mine - my parents are deaf) but if you because deaf because of sickness or something else and if you hook up with a deaf/hoh lady who also became deaf because they were sick or non-genetic reasons your chances of having deaf babies are VERY VERY slim. I have seen so many CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) who have succeeded well in life - my kids who are CODA - all three of them are in Honors Program (and they all three are hearing) and their first language was ASL. Again as I said, think positive you will go far!