ReDEAFinition

There are many different definitions for the word “deaf” — the medical definition, the cultural definition, the audiological definition.  But I’d like to propose another one.  A reDEAFinition, if you will…

 

DEAF

Deaf

Education is

About

Families

 

It’s not about what you want.  It’s about families.

It’s not about one best way.  It’s about families.

It’s not about keeping enrollment up so your preferred school or program stays open.  It’s about families.

It’s not about protecting your job.  It’s about families.

It’s not about your personal experiences or grudges.  It’s about families.

It’s not about “battles” or “wars” or “winning.”  It’s about families.

It’s not about hurling ugly slurs like “audist” or “genocide” or “abuse” at people who make a different choice than you.  It’s about families.

It’s not about making professionals look good.  It’s about families.

It’s not about legislating the “right” way to educate children with hearing loss.  It’s about families.

It’s not about taking decisions away from parents.  It’s about families.

It’s not about obligations to a culture, group, or identity other than the family’s own.  It’s about families.

It’s not about us.  It’s about families.

 

Not your child?  Not your choice.