The issue regarding cochlear
implants is an intense debate. I completely agree with the authors when they
state that, “They can choose whatever mode they feel most comfortable with… The
issue is choice” (pg. 263). That really puts this whole debate into perspective.
Obviously people are going to choose a side but at the end of the day it is up
to the deaf person and what they choose to do.
I understand why deaf people feel
that implants are “the ultimate denial of deafness” (pg. 263). It takes so much
away from their culture. It was sad to read that, “Medical professionals have
been advising parents of deaf children that they must never, ever use sign language” (pg. 264). I
obviously do not agree with that and wish it wasn’t the case. I think the child
should be able to choose and not be persuaded one way or the other.
I think that so many parents of
deaf children want their child to receive implants because it seems like it would
be the easiest thing to do. They don’t want their child to struggle in a
hearing world. What they aren’t considering is that they are robbing their
child the chance to experience deaf culture and the opportunity to possibly
benefit from a form of language designed specifically for them.
It
really breaks my heart that some parents of deaf children do not even try to
learn sign language, even if it means not communicating with their child
(pg.265). I couldn’t imagine not being able to communicate with my parents in a
way that we all understood, and I think it is selfish of the parent to not
attempt.
While reading this chapter I
thought about all the deaf people who have received cochlear implants. I hope
that they are not outcast from the deaf community if it was something that
their parents decided when they were young or even if they made the choice.
Ch. 43:
I think this chapter connects really
well with the previous chapter in which they discussed cochlear implants. I
think the issue at hand is whether or not the parents are presented with both
sides of the matter, and making sure that each option is given an equal
opportunity. I was glad to read that the authors agree that it can be important
to find out if your child is hearing or deaf when they are babies. I think that
will help the kids not get behind. “It’s infinitely better for parents to know
that their baby is deaf right away than not to know-to start out with this
knowledge instead of losing out on communication and language development for 3
years, then trying frantically to ‘make up for lost time’” (pg. 270).
I
disagree with the parents of Curt, Sallie and John, because they viewed sign
language as the last resort that they did not want to have to go to. The fact
they want their child to be speaking and not use sign language is very selfish
of them. It should be the individual’s decision whether or not they feel
comfortable speaking or not. It was also sad to read the article about Kim
finding out her son Zak was deaf. She made is sound like such a bad thing and
that it would be harmful for the child to learn sign language.
I agree
that “the cochlear-implant industry has mounted a successful marketing
campaign, playing on the hopes and fears of parents…” (pg.271). Doctors,
audiologist, etc. make it seem like the child is hopeless if they resort to
using sign language. I found it super neat that some programs and agencies will
come and help teach you sign language (pg. 273). By offering these services I
feel like more and more families will consider sign language instead of going
straight to the cochlear-implant industry. As far as what is important when
teaching a child language I agree that “Clear communication is of the utmost
importance” (pg. 273).
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