Post #20: Chapter 46 and Quiz Results

Ch. 46:

It is very difficult to tell someone that what they are doing may not be what’s best for their child. Many parents assume that since it is their child they are automatically making the right decisions. This may or may not be the case. The parents of deaf children “have to make decisions based on their knowledge (which may be scanty or nonexistent), their desire to learn, their own prejudices, expectations, concepts of ‘normality,’ and instincts” (pg. 283). I think that many parents don’t choose sign language because they either don’t know much about it, or don’t want to take the time to learn it. In that case I think that they think they are choosing the easier route for their child. By getting cochlear implants and practicing oralism, they think it will be easier for them to communicate to their child and for their child to be successful in the hearing world.

 It is important to remember, as the authors pointed out, that “what is ‘best’ for one child-or family-may not be ‘best’ for another” (pg. 284). That is something that the parents of deaf children need to keep in mind. Just because they hear success stories from what other parents did they still need to consider the needs of their own child and what will benefit them the most. It may be hard for some parents to make the decision since many parents “want to be the ones to personally teach them, guide them, transmit ethical values, religious faith, and family traditions, monitor their progress every day, and tuck them into bed each night” (pg. 284). The idea of someone else teaching their child to communicate and even teaching them a new form of communication, is hard for them because they are not in control.

 It breaks my heart to read that “too many parents never learn to communicate with their deaf children” (pg. 285). I think that is very selfish on the parent’s part and I agree that it proves that the parents aren’t acting in the best interest of the child (pg. 286). The authors sum this chapter up well by saying that a parent would truly be thinking about the wellbeing of their child if “they seek a better understanding of their child-and themselves” (pg. 286).

Deaf Awareness 5-Minute Quiz:

                I felt really confident taking the quiz. I thought it really highlighted the key concepts from chapters 31-46. I didn’t miss any, which makes me feel that I understand the material from these chapters.