As someone who was born deaf, the way I am treated by society is not just an inconvenience—it’s painful, traumatic, and alienating. It’s not about seeking pity or asking people to "check their privilege," but rather for society to recognize that disabled individuals exist in this world and deserve the same respect as anyone else. When people treat me differently—whether it’s ignoring my presence, belittling me, or physically grabbing me in an attempt to communicate—it’s not just frustrating; it’s damaging. Working in retail should be an opportunity for human connection and service. Instead, it often feels like a battleground where I constantly have to prove my humanity while navigating the misconceptions people have about me. One incident stands out: I was collecting garbage when a customer, presumably frustrated with my inability to hear him immediately, slammed his cart into mine and started yelling at me. The situation escalated to the point where he was pointing his fing...