Lecture Notes on "For a Deaf Son"

Introduction

• Described and Captioned Media Program: Provides services for the visually and hearing impaired, funded by various organizations including Accordia, American Airlines, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
• Narrative: A personal story about a family dealing with a son's deafness, their journey, and the challenges they faced.

Family's Initial Experience with Deafness

• Thomas' Birth: Born in September 1988.
• Diagnosis: Parents noticed something wrong around age one. Diagnosed as profoundly deaf.
• Emotional Impact: Mother was devastated; father reflects on personal guilt and the unknowns of the condition.
• Initial Approach: Focused on hearing aids and speech therapy.

Understanding Deafness

• Gallaudet University: A significant event where students demanded a deaf president; marked a civil rights victory for deaf people.
• Communication Challenges: Deaf children are cut off from auditory learning. Importance of visual communication highlighted.

Speech vs. Sign Language Debate

• Speech Therapy: Thomas had some high-frequency hearing. Family emphasized speech therapy but struggled with communication.
• Sign Language: Debated introducing sign language and the cultural aspects of the deaf community.
• Community and Language: Discussions with deaf community highlighted the cultural identity and importance of American Sign Language (ASL).

Educational Choices

• Preschool Choices: Options included speech-only or sign-supported classes. The family initially chose speech-only.
• Cochlear Implants: Considered but deemed inappropriate for Thomas. Highlighted the complexity and personal nature of decisions.
• Learning Centers: Visited various educational settings (oral schools, ASL-based schools) to understand different approaches.

Cultural and Emotional Insights

• Deaf Culture: Gallaudet is the cultural hub; deafness seen as a cultural identity rather than a disability.
• Personal Stories: Shared experiences of parents and individuals within the deaf community shaped understanding.
• Role Models: Deaf adults as role models and the importance of having deaf educators and community involvement.

Family Decisions and Reflections

• Parental Dilemmas: Balancing the need for speech development with the potential benefits of sign language.
• Long-term Goals: Parents grappled with how to best prepare Thomas for a world that is predominantly hearing.
• Emotional Journey: The family's emotional journey, including realizations and acceptance of Thomas' deaf identity.

Conclusion

• Ongoing Journey: The family has not reached a definitive conclusion; their approach is evolving.
• Final Reflection: The story is ongoing, highlighting the continuous nature of learning and adapting to Thomas' needs.

The lecture captures the essence of navigating deafness within a hearing family, exploring cultural identities, and the complex choices involved in raising a deaf child. The journey is marked by emotional challenges, cultural discoveries, and evolving family dynamics.