I guess you and I are the lone two who see it that way.
If I were blind, just give me a well trained GS and I’ll do just fine. I certainly wouldn’t be isolated.
I once took a summer course in ASL and that’s when I truly began to realize how isolating it is to be deaf. Some of us (both deaf and hearing alike) sometimes went out for dinner after class and other activities as well and it really gave me an up close look at the deaf community and the challenges they face in trying to communicate and interact with the rest of the world.
Some of the previous answers were kind of a cop out. If you can use a hearing aid or cochlear implant that’s not really deaf. Hard of hearing maybe but not truly deaf. Not every deaf person is eligible for cochlear implants. Plus, many were not trained from childhood to speak in the way that Marlee Matlin was.
If you are deaf and not speech trained, THAT is true isolation. Many of the hearing public are reluctant to put in the effort it takes to try to communicate, restaurants or getting directions on subways and buses can be a nightmare. There are more problems thanany people are aware of. But, still this was an interesting Q to ponder.
I’ve also encountered numerous blind people who aren’t the least bit isolated. I think blindness must seem more frightening if you’re used to sight. Blind animals seem to get along just fine.
I wonder what dpworkins gf would think about this Q ?