[Andonius_99]

Deaf people are legally allowed to drive? Excuse my ignorance on this one, but isn't hearing a required ability to drive a car? Now, I know there are many morons out there driving with their stereos blaring, but if caught, can't they be given citations for that? Isn't the reason behind that a safety reason? Maybe I'm just being dee-dee-dee, but if I'm not...oh, wait, you said the 9th circus?...nevermind...

[Star Traveler]

You said -- "Deaf people are legally allowed to drive? Excuse my ignorance on this one, but isn't hearing a required ability to drive a car?"

Well, your question and a lot of other people's comments here show a severe lack of knowledge about the deaf community. Of course they're allowed to drive. It's never been a safety issue. State *do* issue driver's licenses to deaf people.

AND, that's *one good reason* for having the ADA -- in order to force people (if necessary) to come to terms and understand that these disabilities (that some people have) should not restrict them from doing certain things -- and also -- that society should accommodate them on other things.

I'm glad people are becoming *more educated* here.

Regards,
Star Traveler

[goldstategop]

Deafness is not an impediment to good driving. You have to compensate by looking ahead and behind you and judging the flow of traffic. When backing out of a parking space, I honk my horn since I can't hear the traffic behind me and I warn other drivers I'm about to leave. You can't judge someone solely by their disability. UPS has to evaluate deaf drivers on the same basis they would evaluate hearing drivers in deciding on fitness for the job. As a deaf person, I don't ask for special treatment; just to be treated like every one else.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus