I am getting tired of all this DBC/AGBell/NAD conflict. I suspect others are bored and frustrated by it too, if the growing number of posts in the deaf blogosphere calling for openness to all communication and learning methods is any indication. Is there any parent organization out there that supports all communication methods?
American Society for Deaf Children? Their About Us page is unclear. It only says " We believe deaf or hard-of-hearing children are entitled to full communication access..." It does not say clearly if ASDC supports sign language, speech, cued speech, etc. These days "full communication access" is pretty meaningless if the argument over AG Bell's support for speech and listening over sign language (but not outright opposing sign language) is any indication.
Fortunately, there IS one parent organization that comes right out and cites on their About Us page all the communication methods as being supported. This page states "We are parents of ASL signers, cued speech users.... parents of kids with cochlear implants or total communicators..." There is one parent organization that combines the advocacy and perspectives of AGBell, DBC, and the NAD. That organization is Hands and Voices. (
I am not a member of Hands and Voices, but I know about the organization.)
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
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6 comments:
Jamie,
ASL is not a "method", it's a language. It's not something to be put on a equal footing with other "methods."
You're not framing the issue properly and you're obscuring the issue.
I think most are tired of the eternal A G Bell versus DBC et al debates. Since A G Bell operates an oral tradition and parents have chosen that mode for their kids, it would seem many have already decided. A G Bell just responding to demand is fine, but to denigrate other modes isn't. However the DBC does like-wise, it's like two kids fighting over a ball, they just want the ball, but the game is different for each. Perhaps it's really about money ? it usually is !
You have a point.
Yes, I did attend ASDC convention a few years ago and it was good... very diverse and open.
Time to move on... concentrate on other things.
Jamie...Join the organization. I am currently working on creating an Italian Chapter. You would be an incredible addition to Hands and Voices, and I am sure a powerful speaker. They offer a wealth of information on a variety of topics, host leadership conventions and have created a Guide By Your Side Program focusing on Parent-Parent Support, that I am trying to begin to conceive of starting here. Research that program. Hugs,Jodi
I am truly surprised nobody commented on this one.
Hi Jamie,
I enjoy your blog posts. I have read them often. Have you checked out Impact? This is a parent group that does not advocate for any specific method of communication. Take a look.
www.impactfamilies.org
Dan
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