Take on the role of a Deaf parent of a Deaf child who is a friend of
Question:
Take on the role of a Deaf parent of a Deaf child who is a friend of the hearing parent.
State whether or not you agree with my decision about getting a cochlear implant. (My response is below)
If you agree, provide and explain two additional reasons to support their decision. If you disagree, provide and explain two reasons to support your opinion.
My Response
I think that I would let my child choose what they would want. I say this because I believe it should be their choice but at a certain extent. I understand that at certain age it is better to get the cochlear implant. Although I would say I would want my child to be part of both worlds and I would want them to learn about it. I'd definitely put my part into it because I would want my child to be part of the Deaf culture. Even though I am a hearing individual, I feel as if I could learn and become more informed on the culture. It would definitely be a challenge for the both of us because I would be so new to the Deaf culture even though we have learned about it in this course, Deaf people are not very welcoming of a Hearing person in their culture due to people not taking it seriously and that is very understandable. Of course, my child would face so many challenges but as we are learning and seeing in this course and in the film there a successful Deaf individuals with and without cochlear implants. I would definitely let my child know they are Deaf and let them explore. It is kind of difficult for me to pick a side because both families had valid reasons to want or not want the cochlear implant for their kids. When I saw that the mom of Heather was upset because the children did not know any sign language or about their Deaf culture, I thought as well that they were lost and did not have a sense of their true identity. I would want my child to have a sense of their identity, as we saw in the film some of those children had zero idea how to sign and did not know a thing about the Deaf culture which was a bit upsetting. I have heard some people get a cochlear implant and did not want it in the first place so I really think its important to let my child decide. It is very life changing, I know it might not be the same for the child to have a raw experience because I am a hearing person but I'd love for them to have a better understanding of their culture. I don't see anything wrong with being Deaf and I love how proud everyone in the film who was Deaf was comfortable with themselves.
Auditing An International Approach
ISBN: 978-0071051415
6th edition
Authors: Wally J. Smieliauskas, Kathryn Bewley