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From: James.Womack@f14.n300.z1.fidonet.org (James Womack)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Hi
Message-ID: <16463@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 21 Dec 90 05:11:49 GMT
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[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Do try to get him to log on. He himself may be able to explain things 
that even you as a mother may not be aware of. Aagain I am on the fly 
as I come online. Be aware that what I say is merely my view of matters 
regarding deafness. It is backed up by my training and experiences 
, true, but still boils down to a personal philosophy.
 
If your son's hearing loss is progressive, try introducing him to other 
deaf people so he will become aware that he is not alone. Try to bring 
him to gatherings such as clubs to get an idea of the kind of activities 
he might engage in. They vary:sports, civic activities, actvitist groups, 
recreational gatherings, alumni meetings etc etc. The more deaf people 
he meets, the greater the variety so he can get a fuller picture. He 
will come to see that we are like anyone and so is he. Some of us are 
fantastic people and some aren't-just like other folks. We have dreams 
, hopes and do a lot daring and mundane things as anyone else and so 
should he. Basically, he should just meet others like himself so thatif 
the deafness prgresses to a point where communication is overly difficult, 
he will have an alternate circle of people to turn to so he doesn;t 
feel shut out.
 
It will be important that he develope an attitude of respect for deaf 
people and our ways. I say this because often previously hearing people 
and oral deaf people come to a deaf group with an attitude of superiority. 
They feel because they can/could hear or can speak better, they ARE 
better. This makes for some very frustrating experience for such persons 
and understandably so. No people like being treated this way. They 
key for your son is adjustment to his loss and to the new circle of 
people he might find will fill in his social needs and offer support.
 
Perhaps if you question me specifically, I will be able to give you 
a less rambling answer. Aagain, make yourself aware of the various 
educational services for the deaf so you can make a decision later 
on what best fits your child's needs. In other words, educate yourself 
on education.

--
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