FREEDOM MACHINES:Cast of Characters: Gladys Wang
“I don't consider myself disabled to the level that I'm not able to do anything. I have this handicap, that's the way I feel. It's a handicap and I'm still hoping I can improve it as time goes on.”
—Gladys Wang
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At 93, Gladys Wang’s profound hearing loss may not be unusual for her age. But for her, it is unacceptable and has inspired her to look for anything that might help. “If I could have better hearing and improve my vision I could also do some volunteer work. I’m still able to get around to do some of that you know.” Her attitude typifies the feelings of other seniors. Over 40% of Americans 65 years and older have a disability. As the American population ages the number of citizens with disabilities will swell from 54 million to 70+ million in the next generation. “I don’t consider myself disabled to the fact that I’m not able to do anything…I have this handicap… that’s the way I feel…it’s a handicap and I’m still hoping that I can improve it as time goes on.”
RELATED RESOURCES
Since 1915, the Hearing Society for the Bay Area (1)has provided support and education for hard-of-hearing, deafened, and culturally Deaf people and their families. Their mission is to enable deaf and hard-of-hearing people of all ages and backgrounds to participate fully in their families, schools, workplaces and communities http://www.hearingsociety.org (2)
SeniorNet
SeniorNet is an international nonprofit organization that supports adults 50+ to learn to use computer technologies to enrich their lives and benefit society. SeniorNet has over 240 hands-on Learning Centers throughout the U.S. and selected countries and an award-winning community on our web site. http://www.seniornet.org (3)
Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH) SHHH is an organization for people with hearing loss, which exists to open the world of communication for people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support. http://www.shhh.org (4)
