Verna.Forristal@f71.n343.z1.fidonet.org (Verna Forristal) (05/24/91)
Index Number: 15762
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
Thank you, Jack, for responding to my message. I feel a little transparent
here. I was beginning to think I was invisible. Being new it's kind of hard
to just drop in to the middle of a conversation. I try not to post unless the
subject is something I know about, or I just get so emotional about the
message that I can't keep my mouth shut.
JO> Though it seemed pretty clear from the NAD paper that the motivation
JO> was ulterior. Too much concern for continuity of Deaf culture, and
JO> not enough for the child's welfare.
JO>
JO> I don't believe such opposition will have any measurable effect.
JO> Those who might be influenced by NAD would probably not seriously
JO> consider the option, regardless.
I feel strongly that a deaf child should be given ALL opportunity at ALL types
of communication. Signing is very important, but so is oral communication. I
feel that to limit either is to cut short the opportunities for the child.
An interesting sidenote: My daughter has learned a little SEE at school. The
school offers "electives" of one month duration. One of the classes is Sign
language. I was very surprised at this, since she is in 3rd grade, and to the
best of my knowledge, there are no deaf students in her school. About 20-30
kids elect to take the short sign language course each time it is offered (5
times per year). I think that this would be an interesting thing to offer in
all elementary schools. Because of the class, her interest in learning sign
has increased, and I am now teaching her more. She even goes and gets my SEE
book to look up signs when I'm busy and can't help.
I just think that ALL people should make an effort to communicate with
EVERYONE! Then we could all share so much that might otherwise be lost.
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