Re: Re: Through Deaf Eyes

[Guest guest]

Dear -

Thank you for your heartfelt reply. I've never had to worry about being

accepted by the deaf because he hasn't sought acceptance by them. At the

juncture between middle school and high school he felt strongly about not going

to the high school which serviced the DHH along with the children he shared

class with for ten years. I can see he seems a little more at ease signing than

talking - perhaps because it is not a physical strain, and he is both more

easily understood and not as defensive about clarifying himself, but he had no

interest in deaf events or meeting someone because they are deaf or use sign.

I am so excited about and and all the young adults with CHARGE

meeting at the conference. I know that Prouty, Chip Dixon and have

a marvelous friendship. I wish I could show you what magnificent wonderful

gentlemen they were together - and to watch the three of them in their own

complete whole world at Disneyland was heaven for me. also has an

internet pen friend in England who has CHARGE. It seems their shared experience

speaks mountains between them without a word or a sign - and their interpersonal

communications are completely from one whole person to another - " normal " .... no

translation or footnotes required.

Thank you for sharing so deeply, thoughtfully and freely of your experience.

Best-

yuka

Re: " Through Deaf Eyes "

Oh Yuka,

I too watch most of Through Deaf Eyes. You know before went

to the deaf school I was warned by some hearing teachers and by some

deaf to be prepared for the possibility that would not be

accepted by deaf because of his other challenges. He sometimes seems

to be caught in a neither land. Even among our own families allot

just don't get it. Some still treat him like the cute little kid.

has an Aunt and Uncle who I almost have to get into a fight

with just so I can interpret for . When I watch from a distance

I can see that they are talking at him, around him, over him and he

hasn't a clue to what is going on. I try to step in for 's sake

and they tell me to go away they're doing just fine. Because is

smiling and nodding his head they actually think he is understanding

their speech no matter how many time I have explained about his being

deaf. doesn't even like to attend family functions outside us

because he only has me to talk with. He like doesn't really

have friendships. I worry so much about what will happen when I am

gone. Yes he has the house, staff, Dad, his sister but I have to say

I seem like his best friend. I'm where he comes to share everything

that matters. I'm really hoping he makes some connections at the

conference. So far he is really enjoying the emails. I haven't gotten

him onto the list because I'm afraid the volume and content of the

emails will overwhelm him. I feel like everyone here will be the only

ones who can really understand what I want for verses what I

see him having. is loved by many many people but he is truly

known and understood by a few.

mom to (31)

.