During this quarter, I would like to focus my research on the discoveries of deafness in children by families. I have recently received my certificate in deaf studies and I studied all the options available, but never did I study the challenges and the beginnings of being diagnosed. Is there information that doctors give to first time parents about warning sign that indicate deafness? Are their classes to educate parents about deafness? Are parents offered classes in American Sign Language? Are resources available to parents about deafness?I have many questions about the early stages of deafness.I plan, after graduation to return to school and finish my degree in sign language interpretation. I have a great passion to become a teacher of early childhood students, who are deaf.
It can be a very overwhelming experience for parents. Our community has many perspectives on deafness. Some view deafness as a "problem" that needs to be "fixed"; while others believe that deafness is an enriching experience in which you can become involved in a culture of beautiful language (ASL). It is very difficult to make a decision for your child that will effect the rest of their lives. As I quickly researched this topic, I found a website that provides answers to questions that are frequently asked in concern by parents. The website addresses the benefits and disadvantages of early diagnosing, learning ways of communicating, and resources that allow you to discuss your challenges with other parents who are experiencing or have experienced the same situations. I believe this website is just one step that a parent could take into becoming educated on deafness.
http://www.familysupportconnection.org/html/HOHissues.htm#communication
Emily,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very good start. You have asked some great questions and have set the stage for further exploration of understanding deafness. For future posts, start looking into your questions a little more closely and post your findings. By the end of the term, I hope that you are able to look back at this first post and answer most of your initial questions.
Looking forward to reading more!
Gabe
Thanks! Yes I am very interested in deafness. I have received my deaf studies certificate. I have learned alot about different aspects of deafness. The only topic that is not introduced is families and deafness. I would like to learn about the challenges families face during the early diagnosis, and even the challenges they face throughout the life. I look forward to learning alot about this topic, and adding it to my prior knowledge.
DeleteHey Emily,
ReplyDeleteAs I read through the link you posted above I thought about my friend who recently had a baby. Basically her baby has a hole in the top of her ear. The doctors told her that the hole usually occur with some type of kidney disease and would affect the baby's hearing. When they checked the baby's ear, she passed the hearing test. This all came to my mind when that link said that sometimes children who have a hard time hearing get passed off as children who could hear. I do not know what will become of my friends situation, but I will keep you posted.
I enjoyed your post!
Ashley
Thank you for sharing this with me, even though I am sure it sparked some emotion. Definitely keep me posted. I have been studying deaf studies throughout my teaching major. I find it very interesting. I wonder if they will do further testing as the child develops. I also wonder how reliable these hearing tests are when performed on a baby. Babies sometimes do not always respond to stimuli. I wonder what the tests are like? I will have to look that up. If you could ask your friend I would like to know the components of the test. That is if she minds talking about it; I am sure she is emotional, and feels overwhelemed.
DeleteI think your topic will be very knowledgeable for parents, teachers and children who are dealing or are deaf. It would be very interesting to see the families and/or childrens initial reaction when they find out that they or their child is deaf. Information on this topic will help a teacher, if they have a child in their class who is deaf. Cant wait to read more!
ReplyDeleteJessa
I have studied other aspects of deafness and I find it so intriguing. I believe that parents of children with disabilities are sometimes left in the dark, and have to find their way into the light. I would like to collect a list of resources for parents of deaf children.
DeleteHey this is my blogspot I had to change my email and everything. Since you have to write me once a week I am following you.
ReplyDeletealright thank you! just commented on your blog!
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