Interview with Louis Schwarz - from the November/December 1999 World Around You-- Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, Gallaudet University

November/December - 1 9 9 9

Telling People About Their Money

Louis Schwarz is a Certified Financial Planner. He is active on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Entrepreneurs Council, promoting Deaf and Hard of Hearing-owned businesses. He helped to found the Montgomery County Association of the Deaf, and he was active in resolving emergency telephone services for deaf people. Schwarz works in Washington, D.C. Here is an interview.

WAY: You tell people what to do with their money!
Schwarz: I believe in education. I tell people what the facts are. Then I help them make their own decision about what to do with their money.

WAY: Where did you go to school?
Schwarz: I was in a program of deaf students in public schools in Chicago.

WAY: Did you have interpreters or notetakers?
Schwarz: No. There were no support services in hearing classes. Up to sixth grade, the deaf students had their own deaf classes. In high school, I was in classes with hearing students. There was no sign language. It was an oral program

WAY: When did you learn sign language?
Schwarz: When I went to college--Gallaudet College.

WAY: Why did you decide to major in chemistry?
Schwarz: I always liked science and math.

WAY: What was the most important thing you learned at Gallaudet?
Schwarz: I learned that deaf people have rights. I learned to be an advocate for deaf people.

WAY: What was your first job?
Schwarz: I worked as a chemist for the government--the U.S. Geological Survey.

WAY: Why did you decide to leave?
Schwarz: I worked hard and did a good job for the 15 years. Then I had the chance to be promoted. A hearing man who had worked for one year was promoted instead of me.

WAY: What did you do?
Schwarz: I went to the boss and asked why. The boss said that he couldn't promote me because my promotion would require a full time interpreter.

WAY: It was before ADA. There were no laws?
Schwarz: No laws. I filed a grievance, but I saw no future there so I decided to make a career change and start my own business.

WAY: How did you begin?
Schwarz: Gradually. I worked during the day and studied at night.

WAY: You had a plan?
Schwarz: Yes, I had always helped people with their taxes. In 1971, I became a tax preparer. In 1975, I became a life insurance agent. In 1983, I became a financial planner, and in 1986 a licensed Certified Financial Planner.

WAY: Are you happy now?
Schwarz (smiling.): Oh yes, I enjoy working with people. It's better than working with rocks.

General comments may be sent to: Cathryn.Carroll@gallaudet.edu