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From: Ann.Stalnaker@p0.f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Stalnaker)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: Sign, mainstreaming an
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Date: 12 Mar 91 05:23:00 GMT
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[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]

Tim, I was mainstreamed long before there was such a thing as
mainstreaming (HA - guess that tells you how old I am).

I do not condemn education for the deaf but I do believe it is better
in the public school system, not in residential schools.  I think
you will find that state public school systems are trying to improve
the education level for those who are deaf/hearing impaired.  The
only thing deaf children cannot do is "hear" and there is no reason
to keep them apart from others by isolating them into residential
schools.

I actually am involved with school age children who are deaf as well
as their parents in Oklahoma, so I do keep up with what is going
on.  I also know many young deaf adults who graduated from residential
schools as well as from public schools in Oklahoma and I'm appalled
that they were even allowed to graduate.  Most of the parents I have
come in contact with want their children to be oral as well as know
sign - in other words, use Total Communication.  I can understand
why because so many of the deaf individuals miss out on so much by
not learning the English language which to me is very important.
The reason I cut ASL down so much is due to the fact most deaf people
read and write as ASL and that is BAD!

I think in order to improve the quality of life for those with hearing
impairments as well as prepare them to live independently in this
WILD, WACKY and WONDERFUL world of ours, we need to make some changes.

I don't think it's necessary we do this and that to make children
happy - most children don't want to be forced to do anything (that's
normal) - but we do need to see that they get the full benefit of
a good education in English (among other things).  I think it would
be great if they would associate more with their hearing counterparts,
not just stick to those who are like them.

I think it's time to change the subject on this - it's a no win/lose
situation and too many emotional feelings are involved.  So - what
shall we discuss next?  (smirk)

--
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