Deaf Child Project
Paige Norman
Infancy:
My deaf child will know how to use sign language.. Not oralism or will she have a cochlear implant. When she is 6 months and her brain is beginning to develope, I will start showing her simple signs. For example, “eat” when hungry or “drink” when she's thirsty.
Toddler:
I will have my child in a daycare with other deaf children. She will began to use sign language as her only language, and maybe lip reading if she wants. I believe it's her choice how she wants to communicate. It's her life, not mine or anyone else's.
Elementary, Middle and High School:
Now, if my child chooses to stay in deaf schools, then she will until high school. I will not try to keep her from that. I will not force my deaf child to speak a language she isn't comfortable speaking.
Advantage?
Having connection with my child by signing instead of speaking and understand her more that way.
Disadvantage?
My child feels a bit of isolation from the family if they are not willing to learn how to sign.
How would you feel about actually raising a deaf child?
If I had the opportunity to raise a deaf child then I would be excited. I wouldn't make them speak, because as we've learned from movies we have watched this year, the deaf never want to communicate that way.