Hard Of Hearing Meets Hard Of Thinking

(I’m waiting to hear back from my college’s advising office to schedule an appointment. I am deaf and have asked them to email me.)

Phone: *vibrates*

(I pick it up, expecting a text, only to see the number for the advising office. I let it go to voicemail. This happens a few more times this week until…)

Phone: *vibrates*

Me: “I’m deaf. I can’t hear what you’re saying, I’ve told you to email me. Goodbye!”

(They don’t email me and I end up going to the office.)

Me: “Excuse me; I’ve been trying to set up an appointment with my advisor. I’ve asked you to email me but instead you keep calling me.”

Receptionist: “Yes, we’ve been calling you all week and you haven’t answered.”

Me: “Yes, that’s the problem. If the interpreter didn’t tip you off, I’m deaf.”

Receptionist: “You should have called us sooner to set up an appointment. It is almost the end of the semester!”

Me: “Lady, I’m deaf. I CAN’T HEAR. I can’t talk on the phone. Can we please just set up my appointment?”

Receptionist: “Okay…”

(After everything is set up.)

Receptionist: “And how would you like to receive your appointment reminder, phone or email?”