Deaf culture clash
30 04 2005Most of you already know that 90% of deaf child(ren) have hearing parent.
Naturally, hearing parent will do anything to get their deaf child(ren) to hear again. Look like it’s been big increase that many deaf children are getting cochlear implant last few years. It is not new but it’s real. Few deaf parent support it as well.
Yes, it will benefit deaf child(ren) with cochlear implant – no questions about it. But it comes with additional responsibility for those child(ren) and their parent too. State and/or federal probably ended up paying for their equipments, batteries, and therapy. It is not cheap.
Brown says his comments at the meeting were an attempt to be “shocking,” but he sticks by them. “I do understand the tension” among the deaf caused by implants, he says. “It is a threat to their way of life. But the truth is, deaf people have a significant handicap — one that impacts their earning ability.”
Again, deaf child(ren) can be raised successfully in ASL or associated sign language system in their school whether parent learn sign language or not. It is extremely important that their system is working properly so child(ren) will learn and they will be successful too.
Too many school programs have flaw education system for deaf child(ren) in the past. I believe it has gotten a lot better today than ever. Most of them probably do wear hearing aid which provided by their school and as well as speech therapy. These tools are very important.
Northeastern’s Lane says talk of eliminating deaf culture “horrifies” many deaf advocates. “Could you imagine if somebody stood up and said, ‘In a few years, we’re going to be able to eliminate black cul-ture?’ ” he says. “If hearing people saw the deaf community as an ethnic group with its own language as opposed to someone who is handicapped, then you wouldn’t have such a deep misunderstanding.”
I know a deaf girl who has cochlear implant. The parent is hard of hearing and they know ASL very well. I was impressed that their little girl is learning how to listen, speak properly, and use sign language too.
I think it is perfect example because she’s getting advantage from both worlds. What’s more, I was able to talk to her in ASL since I primarily use ASL. Unlike many another deaf children with cochlear implant that doesn’t know ASL at all – I couldn’t communicate with them directly.
DeafToday.com: Good but long article from Pioneer Press: Click here.
Grant W. Laird, Jr.
http://blog.grantlairdjr.com
Categories : deaf community, family, Medical & Science