Deaf Again Analysis

However, a hearing impairment not only imposes a threat to communication, but it firstly interferes with language acquisition and speech development. For hundreds of years, people have debated the best ways to provide communication skills and education for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. According to the National Institute of Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), the earlier deafness or hearing loss is identified, the better a child’s chances of acquiring language, whether spoken or signed. Howeve... ... middle of paper ... ...gn language; others will be dominant in the oral language, while others will be balanced in their two languages, depending on the child’s abilities. ‘Deaf children who cannot communicate with their parents in their early years run the risk of permanent psychological damage’ (Lynas et al, 1988).

This research is varied but shows that there is little difference betw... ... middle of paper ... ...e by a parent who is not fluent in sign without any exposure to fluency in sign, the same risk applies for the child applies. For further research about whether sign or oral training is more beneficial, it would be helpful to look into how these effect all aspects of development, not just learning. The literacy difference in deaf children who are orally trained versus those who are fluent in sign language most likely differs greatly due to the fact that deaf children are required to use a written word that is not sign language based. Other factors such as literacy, not simple language development would make it more clear which strategy is more beneficial. In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages to both orally training and teaching sign to a deaf child.

Parents of deaf children have many options to work with the child’s deafness; the two most common approaches being the oral approach and the manual approach (ASL). Choosing which approach is a highly controversial issue. Utilizing the oral method of communication (oralism) is an efficient way to help bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing worlds. When they first learn that their child is deaf, parents, especially those who are hearing, go through a typical mourning process. This process includes shock, denial, grief, confusion, devastation, and recognition of the problem.

Write a summary of the book. Deaf Again is a book written by Mark Drolsbough about his life growing up as a member of the deaf community. He tells stories of the struggles of trying to fit into the hearing world. Drolsbough also details how his hearing family members made him believe as a child that being deaf is bad. He continues on with the story of his life as he finally finds his identity as a Deaf guy, with a capital D. Drolsbough then goes on to fall in love, get married, and help his mother find her proverbial voice in her family.

In the autobiography Deaf Again, Mark Drolsbaugh writes about his life being born hearing, growing up hard of hearing, to eventually becoming deaf. By writing this book, he helps many people view from his perspective on what it is like for someone to struggle trying to fit in the hearing society. Through his early years, his eyes were closed to the deaf world, being only taught how to live in a hearing world. Not only does the book cover his personal involvement, but it covers some important moments in deaf history. It really is eye-opening because instead of just learning about deaf culture and deaf history, someone who lived through it is actually explaining their experiences.

Whether it be a child or an adult, those with autism have a very hard time communicating and maintaining relationships with others people. For children with Autism, their brains will always process information differently than children’ brains who are without the Autism Spectrum Disorder. According to reports made by the American Psychological Association, the Autism Spectrum Disorder is the utmost severe developmental disability for an individual to carry. Autism Spectrum Disorder generally shows it’s first signs in a child before the child even reaches the age of three and the signs will persist and increase throughout his/her lifespan. Some children with autism will either speak very little or not at all.

Children generally receive B’s and C’s, average grades, in school if they are lucky enough to be in a good school system. Literacy rates are lower than they seem, and not enough people are properly motivated to do well in school. Forms of entertainment and parental influence, which also play a large role in the development of children into successful, productive adults, are not where they should be with respects to education. Much more needs to be done to improve the educational system of the entire country. Preschool should be made mandatory to help individuals reach their full potential and achieve what only a minority of today’s society is currently capable of.

A deaf child born to deaf parents adapt language normally, because the parents know how to relate to their child. However, a deaf child born to hearing parents, who have no prior exposure to the deaf culture, struggle to learn how to communicate with their child. The absence of communication will interfere with a child’s development (Easterbrooks & Baker 2002). Hearing parents do try their best, but there are things a deaf child needs. The knowledge of visual and spatial relationships is a skill most hearing parents do not understand, however their child will need that understanding (Easterbrooks & Baker 2002).

When people hear the word “deaf” many times they think of their grandparents or other elders who have lost their ability to hear due to old age. However today for every 1,000 children, at least 1 is considered to be deaf or heard of hearing (Honig, 177.) Deafness is a disability that is easily overlooked and misunderstood because it is not a disability that is easily observed. Helen Keller once said that, “Blindness cuts people off from things. Deafness cuts people off from people.” When a person is blind or need glasses society easily recognizes that in some cases special accommodati... ... middle of paper ... ... using total communication they can still maintain an inclusion of Deaf culture, but also become a member of mainstream society.

Imagine yourself deaf, growing up with a beautiful language, visual literature, humor, and theater. Imagine taking pride in your identity without any desire to become a member of the majority culture. For many deaf people, their community is a comforting relief from the isolation and condescension of the hearing world. However the Deaf community is far more than a support group for people who share a physical characteristic. Members of the Deaf community may have hearing levels that range from profoundly deaf to slightly hard-of-hearing.