ASM and Sly - this was a great read - kudos for being so honest and answering all questions.
I really hope you take full advantage of your disability where possible
A good mate of mine is deaf and going out anywhere with him is absolutely hilarious! He can lip read and talk BUT in public he sometimes switches off to get his own way ie when he's haggling price on anything - really opens up your eyes as to what people will do to get out of a situation they can't deal with.
Whenever I want a really good price on something I send him in - it's almost worth paying him to haggle.