The deaf team that you're referring to is
probably Gallaudet, who competed once or twice in CBI's
Region IV. The accomodation made then involved running
of GU's games in one room that was equipped with a
projector. Words were uncovered at regular intervals - the
games may not have been timed.
If your question
is more generically "is there anyone else out there
like me doing quizbowl?", the answer is yes - in my
various years, I've met people from all walks of life who
do this. If anyone tells you that can't do quizbowl
because of who you are, ignore them until you play
them.
Then, if at all possible, thrash them.
Hayden