障礙人也能追夢 (Sin Chew Daily) - November 2, 2010 [English translation is available]

約訪張偉義，時間很難湊合，皆因任職製作編輯的他是一名夜班工作者，每晚9時上班至次日早上7時，工作起來晨昏便要顛倒。終於逮到一個週末的早上，我們碰面了。這個訪問有點特別，我不會手語，他也聽不見我說什麼，在較早前來往電郵中，我建議他找一位會手語翻譯又了解他的朋友，他認為不是最好的方式，“不如我們見面時，都帶手提電腦，然後用msn交談。”光是想像這樣別開生面的采訪畫面，約訪便令人充滿期待。

但是見面時，他一來便喊了我的名字，他靦腆的說，由於聽不見，因此他即使能說話，但是音準和一般人有差。不過我忘了有沒有告訴他，他喊我的名字喊得真標準。

張偉義給我的第一印象是像個大孩子的，有點佻皮，笑起來眼睛瞇成一條線。他自我介紹時，在眼睛旁比了一個“C”字，“C”是他的姓“Chong”，放在眼睛旁則是因為他三歲就開始戴眼鏡。今年28歲的他樣子比實際年齡年輕很多，他打趣說聾人臉部表情很豐富，臉部常做“運動”，所以顯得特別年輕。若不是知道他的背景，單憑外表、工作能力或是學術成績，外人很難想像他自小處在一個無聲的世界。充滿理想和抱負的他說，若不是“聾”的身分，他相信自己的表現可以更好，也不會受到世俗的傳統觀念、制度“綁手綁腳”。

Passion Needs Action

EDIT: A reader has kindly pointed out to me that the preferred term of the deaf community is 'deaf' and 'hard of hearing', and the World Federation of the Deaf actually discourages the use of the term 'hearing impaired'! Have always thought 'hearing impaired' was the PC term to use. I learned something new today. Thanks, Sheng-Xi!

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Every once in a while, we come across someone who reminds us of what the words determination and perseverance mean. Being passionate and steadfast in our beliefs, and wanting to make a difference in the society we live in, has always been easier said than done. It can sometimes be exhausting and we start questioning if it’s worth it, if this will bring about change and, if it does, is the change meaningful enough to be sustained.

Perhaps, all we need, from time to time, is a little inspirational story to fuel our spirits.

Thousands of beautiful dreams

Dreams will occur when we are in sleeping mode. Initially I thought everyone dreamt every night or each time they are sleeping. But it is not true. I am surprised to realise it in that way.

Each time, I am in sleeping mode, new or repeated images will become visible in my mind. It will just happen, all times, during day or at night as long as I am dozing off. You see, my brain never stops working and I still don't get what I am actually thinking about.