In response to this, I believe the biggest problem which is highlighted throughout the literature is the issue of identity. Language is an important factor in our culture and if we are neither proficient in sign language nor spoken language it has a fundamental affect our identity. This leads to many other problems such as low self-esteem etc. Whilst educated in mainstream schools, many children are taken away from lessons for speech therapy etc. Are we still stating 'you must try and speak, this is the best language?' speech is better than sign? hearies are better than deafies etc? Furthermore, it is often the case that there may only be one deaf child in the school, therefore it becomes impossible for that child to identify themselves as being a deaf person.
There are loads of stories out there (many horror stories) about deaf people not realising that they belonged to the deaf community until later in life. We must ensure that all children grow up to be proud individuals.
