Letter to the Editor: Deaf Demand

I cannot argue about the difficulties in the school system, particularly college. They would be eased if the Education Department would address the real needs of deaf children and start an interpreter training programme. The difficulties have been around for as long as there have been deaf people on this Earth; it is ludicrous to blame them on the use of Total Communication.

The parents of deaf children suffer many anxieties, socially and educationally. Life can be difficult for our children. Parents who decide on the Total approach are those committed to rearing happy, socially well-adjusted children. We also work around the clock, seven days a week, learning signs, trying to understand the needs of our children and anticipating future problems before they become too difficult to handle. So we have enough on our plates without the negative and narrow attitudes of others.

As for Nancy Hill’s interpretation of the World Games for the Deaf, what a pity she did not attend the AGM of our association, when we were able to listen to the young deaf people who participated. They did not think it was a “social disaster”. It would have been hard not to get excited and uplifted hearing them describe what a wonderful experience it was for them. They did not need interpreters to communicate with the deaf from other countries. They communicated in signs, and they are all hoping to attend the next World Games to be held in Belgium.

The deaf will decide for themselves whether they want to sign or not, some will have intelligible speech and some will not, some will learn as adults. Why should any of us make decisions regarding the deaf? They can and do make their own.

Jacqueline Ward
Wellington Association for Deaf Children