The big question raised today is the quality of Deaf teaching in schools.
I'm not an amazing student. I was developmentally delayed like many other young children born deaf. I did not have the chance to react to people's forces, pick up language through listening or reach other developmental milestones such as babbling, and my first word. Though, I did pick up language with great accuracy. My written language is great (as you can see here!) and my verbal language is adequate despite a few slip ups in grammar and pronunciation.
In the U.S, there was a Disabilities Act in 1975 which states that segregational Deaf schooling be stopped and all integrated into mainstream schooling. This, of course, brings up the dilemma of the quality of teaching that Deaf students receive at mainstream schools.
I went to a mainstream school myself, though did get attention from the teachers in that group work was difficult for me with too many people speaking at once. I didn't feel like that I was at a disadvantage in attending a mainstream school, and think it's important that students and parents are given the choice of whether to send their Deaf children to a specialised Deaf school or a mainstream school. I understand the U.S government's intentions in trying to integrate (essentially what I believe in which is that I am not different to a hearing person) but in taking away the choice it is sure to create some outcry.
And to end what is turning into a very political post (sorry!), today I got asked what I think life would be like without my cochlear implant. And honestly, I couldn't imagine it. I have had a cochlear implant for as long as I can remember - it is how I said my first word, was able to sing songs as a kid and make friends. Though it has helped me with learning and acquiring language - it doesn't necessary mean that cochlear implants are helping Deaf students reach the same academic level as hearing students.
The real point of this post is: is integration really the only way to look at deafness?
Until next time,
Michelle
References for this post
ReplyDeleteClark, C. (2012). Personal communication, obtained on August 9.
Crouch, R. A. (1997). Letting the deaf be deaf. Reconsidering the use of cochlear implants in prelingually deaf children. The Hastings Center Report, 27(40), 93-334.
Dubow, S. (1989). ‘Into the Turbulent Mainstream'--A Legal Perspective on the Weight to be Given to the Least Restrictive Environment in Placement Decisions for Deaf Children. Journal of Law & Education, 18(2), 215-228.
Li, S. (2012). Personal communication, obtained on August 30.