Assistance to Deaf Man

The March 22 article, “Advocate for the Disabled Seeks a U-Turn on Car Deal,” about Juan Marquez and his troubles buying a car, referred to numerous stereotypes and inaccuracies that are untrue of the majority of deaf persons. As the son of deaf parents and an attorney representing numerous deaf people during my career, I have been a member of a number of committees and organizations involved with protecting the rights of the deaf.

Louisea Hurwitz appears to be well-intentioned, but gives the wrong impression as to deaf persons other than Marquez. I feel comfortable in saying that, in my experience, it is a rare deaf person who is unable to negotiate for and purchase or lease a vehicle, either from a dealer or a private party. My own parents and their extremely large circle of friends and acquaintances have all bought cars without the necessity of a hearing person or interpreter assisting them. I would hate to see society adopt a paternal attitude toward the deaf.

My best wishes to Mr. Marquez.

ELLIOT L. AHERONI

Encino