Are You Really Deaf?

[Karen Putz]

A long time friend asked me this:

You're not really... deaf, are you?

Read more here:

You're Not Really... Deaf, Are You?

[Jessica Bianco]

Thanks Karen. But, often I don't feel very aware. It's hard.

[Karen Putz]

Jessica, your son has the wonderful fortune of having you as a very aware mom. :)

[Jessica Bianco]

This is one of the problems I have with oral education. We chose an oral program for our son, but it does worry me that the administration and other parents share this attitude of not really being deaf.
When spoken language is so strong in a person with hearing loss, it does make it "easy" to forget that they have to work so hard to participate in conversations, lectures, school, etc. I must admit, at times, I am even guilty of forgetting.

For those of us who are hearing and have deaf/hoh children, it is a constant battle to find balance between the modes of communication. We are focusing on oral right now. We haven't had time to really learn ASL but our goal is to learn ASL next year together as a family.

There is not a day that goes by that we don't struggle with our decisions on communication. Hopefully, as our son gets older he feels comfortable enough to discuss his choices with us. In the mean time, we constantly remind people that he is HOH. We ask people to kneel down to him, talk to his face, tap him if he doesn't respond, speak slowly and articulate clearly.

I guess time will tell if we've done our job. I hope he never has a friend/family member/school mate who doubts how hard he works just to participate in daily life.

[Deidra]

Wow, I love finding new sites! Thanks!