(The following article was written by Jim Hammock, KIØDN, Educational Services Coordinator, Courage HANDIHAM System. For more information on the Courage HANDIHAM System and a link to its website, see the contact information at the end of this article.)
People with disabilities are not very different from those without. They are subject to the same feelings of accomplishment and failure as everyone else. The contention that performing at higher code speeds provides a special sense of achievement for the disabled is no truer than it is for the non-disabled.
The removal of the higher speed code requirements leveled the playing field for people whose disabilities truly prevented them from achieving higher speeds. Those who cannot reasonably work code at the higher speeds no longer have to take the extra step of getting the physician’s statement, and then presenting it to a VE like a child asking for another bowl of porridge. There are many, who to avoid that kind of embarrassment have given up on being able to use voice or data modes on the HF bands. Many, despite a legitimate eligibility for the exemption, spent vast amounts of time trying to increase their code speed, in some cases years, with little or no progress. Most of the people who have passed the higher code requirements “in spite of their disabilities” were people whose disabilities did not affect their ability to do code. To think otherwise is condescending and insulting.
The rules also allowed people with no legitimate need for the exemption to avoid the high-speed code exams if they could get a doctor to sign off. Few doctors, or their staff, bothered to read the form and few Volunteer Examiners did any follow-up. Those who passed the higher code speed tests were stigmatized by the common, but mistaken, assumption that everyone with a disability took the exemption.
The higher code speed requirements and exemption deprived disabled Hams from being a full VE because no VE was allowed to administer a test they had not taken. This resulted in many Extra Class Hams with disabilities being less than welcome on many VE teams.
For Hams with and without disabilities, the sense of accomplishment and achievement comes from the Ham radio activities that really matter. If a Ham feels that high-speed telegraphy is important, then that Ham will work, achieve and demonstrate that skill on the air. If earning DXCC/CW is the Ham’s goal then that is what gives the Ham a feeling of pride. If the Ham feels that voice or data or ATV is important then the sense of achievement will come from that activity. Pride does not come from a piece of paper on the wall that states that once upon a time the Ham demonstrated a skill that fell into disuse, but comes from what is currently being accomplished.
Eliminating the higher code speed requirements has removed another area where people with disabilities were disadvantaged, or made to feel like lesser people. The current five words-per-minute requirement still provides an artificial barrier to those with legitimate difficulties demonstrating proficiency. No one is required to become a concert pianist if they want to learn to play the guitar. There are still many disabled Hams who will never be able to succeed at the five words-per-minute requirement but they would excel at some of the other modes of HF operation if given a legitimate, realistic opportunity. (emphasis added)
Jim Hammock, KIØDN
Educational Services Coordinator
Courage HANDIHAM System
3915 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN 55422
(763) 520-0515
Patrick Tice, WA0TDA
Manager, Courage HANDI-HAM System
Courage HANDI-HAM System
3915 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN 55422
(612) 520-0511 (voice)
(612) 520-0577 (FAX)