I like to think that I am completely different from what you are saying. In talking to other Hearies with Deaf kids I find that they see them as being abnormal and needing to be fixed to become normal. I want Little G to experience the Deaf culture and to sign, but I also want him to be a full part of the hearing world and to have every advantage in life. I have met many Deaf and HOH people whose primary language is ASL and their own family has never even bothered to learn it. I am as shocked and outraged at that as you are. Maybe since I had a dyslexic son first it is a little different for me, or maybe I'm just a better parent. I could not imagine never learning to communicate with my child. I think some people are afraid it was "somehow their fault" maybe they drank during pregnancy or something and they blame themself so they withdrawl. I think some people are ashamed to have a child that is "different." Don't shoot the messenger here because I'm trying to give an honest answer to an honest question. I love all of my children equally. My youngest so far doesn't appear to have any obstacles to overcome. I think they are all unique and wonderful and I wouldn't change any of them. I have made sure that my oldest got the best education possible. He has tried to use his dyslexia as a crutch but I make him do the work. He graduates next week. I am trying to do the same thing with Little G. Whether I mainstream him or send him to the deaf school I will make sure he gets a good education. I can't immagine anything less. Unfortunately some people are just not as enlightened. I do have a friend who did learn to sign for her son and main streamed him and pushed him. I'm sure there are others. We can only hope to educate the bad ones. Unfortunatley the world is full of idiots and some of them are parents. I hope this helps.
