"Parents of deaf children have been telling us what they think is best for their children when they really don't know them. How come?"
I think that this topic is difficult to discuss because it is hard to realize that sometimes parents do not give the best options for their children. I think that naturally, all parents assume that they know what is best for their child, however, the authors of HPO explain in this chapter that not all hearing parents know how to work with their deaf children. Many hearing parents of deaf children are at a disadvantage because "they have to make decisions based on their knowledge (which may be scanty or nonexistent), their desire to learn, their own prejudices, expectations, concepts of "normality," and instincts" (pg 283). This statement made me think about how some parents could truly feel lost in trying to raise their child with different needs than themselves. Although many parents immerse themselves in the Deaf community and communication to help their children excel, I thought it was sad to see how many others view deafness and sign language as being "alien to us" (pg 283), rejecting anything different from the norm for their deaf children. However, by looking through the view of the unexperienced hearing parent, I can see why they might believe that mainstreaming their children may seem like the better option. For many, it can seem like the easier option for everyone involved.
I completely agree that there is no set option for what is best for every deaf child in this situation. It really depends on how committed the parents are and what their views are on deaf education. I love that the authors show that "there is, of course, no one "right way." What works splendidly for one family may be a disastrous mistake for another" (pg 285). I personally agree with this, there are many ways that deaf children can succeed. I also believe that while there are many options out there for hearing parents and deaf children, I DO NOT think that it is acceptable for parents to "never learn to communicate with their deaf children" (pg 285). By refusing to learn anyway to communicate with their children, hearing parents are missing out on creating a connection with them.
When I read that the authors said that there is no one right way in this chapter, I also liked that statement. It is so true. All parents can do is strive to make the best decisions for their children :). It is insane to think that a parent of a deaf child would ever not want to learn how to communicate effectively with their child. It blows my mind!
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