[HANASHIR:12939] Re: Deaf Members

[Rebeccafhp <Rebeccafhp...>]

Dear Rosalie, 

I am going to school with a profoundly deaf man and he gave a short 
presentation to us regarding being deaf and the different 'school of thought' 
within the deaf community.
It seems there are those who believe that deaf people should only sign.
It seems there are those who believe that deaf people should use only oral 
language.
It seems there are those who believe that deaf people should use both.

Thus as in every walk of life there are varied opinions within the community 
as to what is the 'right' way.  Another thing we learned is that speaking 
(singing) while signing is not really signing.  Since there are very specific 
things that are done with the face while signing the act of speaking 
(singing) does not allow them to happen.  So the language is not being spoken 
correctly.  

The most important thing he taught us is that people want to communicate and 
it depends on the person how that communication is to take place.  But in 
your particular situation it seems as though what the women need to be able 
to communicate to you is what you can do to help your community become more 
inclusive with their help and guidance.  They may have some very different 
ideas and I would love to know what they were.

I hope this is not too late and I hope it helps
Rebecca

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