Ann.Stalnaker@f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Stalnaker) (02/13/90)
Index Number: 6713
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
Laurie, sorry for the delay in replying to your message but I've been
pretty busy lately.
Thank you for sharing your life experiences with us. I realize that
life is sometimes very frustrating for all of us and we often run into
problems that sometimes makes us want to give up. But...I believe
in fighting the problems and keeping a positive attitude.
I've never really had any problems communicating with anyone but I
can understand the problems others run into, in fact, I know of several
who have had the same problems you have. I was almost 4 years old
(am the oldest of 3 siblings) before my parents realized I was deaf.
I was not forced to talk or lip read, it was just easy for me to do.
I didn't speak very plainly but then a lot of children don't at that
age. When I was 5 years old (before I started the 1st grade), my parents
took me to a hearing specialist in Chicago (Northwestern University
Medical Center) where he tested me from head to foot and I recall
having a ball! He told my parents to put me in public school, which
they did. My brother was born shortly before then and my sister two
years later. There was not much known about deafness then but my parents
wanted us to live normal lives and since we were a military family
that traveled all over, we were exposed to all walks of life.
I really believe in mainstreaming because I think it is better for
children to be exposed to the REAL world, both disabled and non-disabled.
I feel there are fewer problems when one is mainstreamed as I've been
exposed to the deaf community and it really is sad that so many fear
the REAL world. But...this is the '90s and there is no reason why
we cannot show others that it can be done and in order for us to live
in this BIG world as a whole, we are going to have to fight to see
that the bridges and walls are torn down. We need to advocate and
educate.
I think it is wonderful that we all can share our life experiences
and I hope we've all learned something from them in order to help the
future children.
I guess it's time for me to get off the soap box and let others tell
us their life experiences. (I know...I know...I talk too much! <grin>)
--
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