Proto Himbo European

I'm at an academic conference. A presenter just said "surprise! Workshop!" We are all supposed to discuss some issues and develop some recommendations then switch tables and do it again a few times.

The audience seems mostly cool with this and enthusiastic. I have a lot of difficulty understanding speech in many situations (bc hearing loss) so I made an excuse and left.

I guess this is about disability and accessibility but I don't have even a little criticism for the presenter. There are a lot of experiences that work for many people but not for others. I don't think we should stop providing experiences just because not everyone can benefit equally or participate. I would also have left the room if there was a special hearing amplification system available--i have some in my ears already and don't want to become someone's logistical problem.

Typing this I realized what I do want: to explain my exit to the speaker so he doesn't feel bad.

#hearingloss #academia

Mar 6 at 4:10pmWeb
Show threadProto Himbo EuropeanMar 6

My #excuse for leaving (not that anyone will ask) was pretty awesome: calling my daughter's school and explaining that she was missing classes because she is attending an academic conference.

#proud #parent

Show threadJeffMar 6

@guyjantic

Constructive criticism is a form of criticism and it's fair, if you're coming at it from an idea of helping someone do better and, in this case, being more inclusive. They may genuinely not have thought of that angle.

Show threadProto Himbo EuropeanMar 7
@cynical13 This is a good point. I think I just really didn't want to make the presenter feel bad, because I don't think there was any bad faith in his actions. But yes, this kind of criticism might help someone someday.
Show threadJeffMar 7
@guyjantic I try to give folks the benefit of the doubt.
Show threadDragonBardMar 6
@guyjantic As a person with Auditory Processing Disorder, I totally get where you are coming from.