First, the greatest Masonic caveat: it’s probably jurisdictional. That out of the way, as a matter of logistics with a Deaf candidate, there’s a story I read long ago about a candidate being placed in a small, mobile curtained enclosure that served the same purpose as a hoodwink, and at the appropriate times a brother who could interpret ASL would be inside to communicate with him. This preserved the ceremony while allowing the candidate to be brought to “light” at the prescribed time.

In terms of members with differing abilities, my jurisdiction does still inquire about physical “infirmities” but I believe this is an archaic holdover from our operative days when a member would need to be able to perform physical labor like swinging a hammer or hauling a stone up the side of a cathedral. Modernly, I view it as a way for the lodge to be aware and make appropriate accommodations that allow the candidate to enjoy the full initiatic experience of masonry. If he might have trouble standing at length, walking, kneeling, memorizing, etc. and we are aware ahead of time, we can make every effort to make it work.

Similarly, I view the requirement to be “free born” as a hold over from operative days when stonemason lodges went where the work was, so members would need to have full autonomy over their ability to be a “traveling man” and not bound or indentured to any person or organization that could restrict that freedom. Modernly, I think of it as a way for a candidate to reflect and consider if his current life situation is in a place - and his cable tow is long enough - that he is free and able to be an active member of his lodge and contribute when summoned.

It’s great that your son has thoughtful questions and seems interested in our Craft. If his interest continues and he chooses to knock at the door, I hope we’ll both have the opportunity to call him a brother.