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R2D2 · 05-15-2007, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

I have never stated that deaf children should not be implanted at all. I have stated that it was my decision not to implant my son, as I personally believe that he is the one that must live as a deaf individual, and therefore, it is his basic human right to decide how he chooses to do that. Should I have another deaf child, or a deaf grandchild, my decision would be the same.

I have, however stated, that my opposition to implantation in children is not the devise per say, but the attitude that once a child is implanted, they are no longer deaf, and as a consequence their need to be exposed to visual language and the community of others like them is ignored. That does tremendous harm to the development--both educational and emotional--of deaf children. I have personally witnessed the result of it on a daily bais for the past 20 years, and continue to do so. My opposition is to the oralist philosophy, both on moral and scientific grounds.

Yes, I do have moral objections to implantation of children, and I have what I believe are extremely valid reasons for those objections. However, just as I object to the hearing community attempting to force their views and their way of life on the deaf community, I do not attempt to tell other parents that they have no right to make the decisions they do for their children. I simply try to communicate the fact that, when they do implant, please keep in mind that their children are still deaf, and they still have specific needs related to deafness that must be addressed. My moral objections simply mean that I would not choose to implant a child of my own. I object, however, to ethnocentricism in any form.

When I advocate for the educational needs for deaf children, and for that which is necessary for their emotional and social development, it is not a CI issue. It is out of concern for the difficulties that I have witnessed in these children, and the problems associated with addressing them from a remedial standpoint. It is not an attempt to dictate parenting practices, it is an attempt to prevent the unneccessary suffering of another deaf child simply because a parent has not been informed of ALL the issues.

And I agree--Cole'smom is doing a wonderful job in fact finding prior to making her decisions. However, the very fact that she has admitted to being pushed in the direction of the oralists camp confirms my claims that the hearing community is still very much grounded in the oralist's camp, and hearing parents of deaf children are not being provided with all of the information they need to make informed and reasonable decisions. Furthermore, the fact that she has come to this board insearch of information tells me that the information she knows is necessary is not readily available. I commend her for her diligence.

Once again, it would appear that I have been judged far too quickly and on surface issues.

I must admit I'm confused after reading your post. I think it's a reasonable post and yet I'm sure I've seen previous posts where you stated you had problems with CIs in children because (unlike hearing aids) it was a medical prodecure and as such it was a choice that should only be made in adulthood by the child itself. You've also said a few times that CIs are an attempt to "fix" a deaf child. But you are saying it's more the oralist philosophy that is identified with it that is a big problem for you? If the oralism was not so overt then there would be no problem?

I think the problem with this sub forum is that it's the nearest thing people can find that represents oralism and some people are dumping all their past baggage and anger about oralism, even though I've seen very few posts by people here who advocate it only by itself. I'm not belittling the pain, I've had some of the same experiences myself, however if the balance is overly negative vs useful constructive information and advice then people get turned off.

I don't know if it's just me but I do feel that people are becoming more relaxed about bilingualism now (due to greater awareness and appreciation of cultures other than their own) and parents are more aware of and more interested in sign. I do agree that lack of information for parents is a problem but that is something that can be addressed.