normal...
What we all want for our children, our families, our own lives. What does that mean to you? What is your criteria? How far would you go to achieve it for yourself or your loved ones?
What are your feelings about Deafness?
I know not many of you have experience with Deafness, its children, culture or language... but lack of experience does not have to mean closed-mindedness. It does not mean disability, it does not need "fixing". We need to meet our Deaf children where they are, with the language that they deserve, with the knowledge that, just like any other child, they have the RIGHT to access. It is time to stop putting these children to the side because they are not the majority. All children deserve for us as parents, family, teachers and a society to step up and truly KNOW what they need... not to be afraid of what they are and to try to change them to what makes us more comfortable.
ASL is a language... Deafness is a culture... these children are being lost when their brains and hearts are there waiting for us to be ready to teach them.
It is time for us to find what works for THEM, not us.
"How does it affect children to find that they cannot express themselves in their own language because the grown-ups in their surroundings either do not understand it, or insist that they express themselves in another way?"
Bergman 1978
4 comments:
How wonderful that you chose this career path and that you have gained compassion and empathy for an often forgotten population. Thanks for the reminder that 'normal' can often be exlusive.
I was asked recently to teach a lesson in my ward here once a month. I've been really scared and anxious about it. Yesterday, a lady who is deaf gave the lesson. She had an interpreter speak while she signed. She did awesome! She was such an inspiration to me. Her husband is deaf as well. Together they haven't let anything hinder them, despite what might be considered 'normal.'
It's inspirational to see someone stand up for those children and families that might now be able to do it for themselves. You have so much passion and love for what you do and they are blessed to have you as their advocate. =)
This is an issue that hits close to home for me as well.
Wow, very well said. This is a beautiful post and you bring up a valid point. Thank you for this perspective. You're a blessing in so many lives!
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