Ann.Stalnaker@p0.f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Stalnaker) (08/10/90)
Index Number: 9654 [This is from the Silent Talk Conference] > Terrific... I almost started WWIII when I first picked > up SilentTalk > by asking whether ASL or lip-reading was preferable for > a hearing-impaired child. You mean I've done it again? Hi Bill! I realize discussing which is preferable - ASL or lipreading/ speechreading - is a very controversial issue. I personally feel total communication is needed for ALL HI folks to mingle in the REAL world. I'd like to see children start off with oral communication so they can LEARN English which is our native language in good ol' USA and is becoming the international language. I feel those who stick with the deaf culture should try to mix with the rest of us and that there should be no communication barriers but they are going to have to make that change in order for this to happen. I personally do not use ASL but I don't cut anyone down who does, I think it's very childish for those who only communicate with ASL to snub those who communicate orally. Heck, I think I've started a few WWs in my lifetime...and guess I always will as I tend to say what I think...so keep on yourself! (grin) -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!385!14.0!Ann.Stalnaker Internet: Ann.Stalnaker@p0.f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org