12-21-2008, 12:20 PM
You can basically do anything that does not require a phone. I'm hearing impaired also, and as long as I steer clear of jobs requiring long phone hours (i.e. 911 dispatcher like your past position, customer service rep, telemarketer) I've never had a problem. I've worked in a variety of different positions, industries, and settings, and the key is just making sure that you are up front with your supervisor and anyone else you feel needs to know.Every single supervisor I've had has offered to work with me to ensure I have the tools to perform my job to the best of my abilities, hearing impairment or not.To avoid any discrimination on the basis of disability, employers are bound by law to provide you with reasoanble accommodation. For instance, my supervisor reviews conference calls with me after the fact (in a very respectful way) to ensure nothing was missed. Also, I primarily use email to communicate and am exempt from all those"pick up the phone and talk to someone instead of impersonally emailing them"lectures. :-)Basically, you can do anything. Follow your passions and be up front about your hearing impairment - that's the best advice I have.
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