I got the those answers from some hearing parents who posted on cochlear implant sub-forum, and this is how I brought up questions, You may don't think it's true, but this is how I've read from some hearing parents on this board. You are more than welcome to answer those questions if you would like.
Cheri. The first thing I would point out is that just because you have read it on other forums and that some people believe it doesn't make it true across the board. So not all hearing parents are in the same camp so to speak.
Question one: experience little or no part of the deaf community that included sign language, exposed their implanted children to meet other deafs, from your experience and knowledge. How do you feel about that?
While this may happen in some areas, my experience is quite different. All of the kids that go to school with my son also go to scouts, ball games and many many other events. Some of those kids are profoundly deaf like my son and some have hearing aids and some have CI's. They all sign to eachother and are still friends which I hope they will remain for many years to come. But for the sake of argument if I were to assume your statement to be true across the board, then I would say that is a sad thing. I just don't see it in my personal experiences.
Question two: Should parents must be aware of the choices in languages and not be swayed by opinions of so-called professionals in the field when making their decisions do you agree or don't agree?
Yes parents should be aware of all choices. Not just language. This is a very sticky area that remains controversial even today. I've heard that teaching methods are even somewhat controversial for hearing kids as well. People should be able to rely on professionals for their unique expertise and insight. When those professionals have hidden agendas relating to money they are doing a dis-service. This happens all the time but at the end of the day, where would parents turn? Keep in mind that most hearing parents that have a newly diagnosed deaf child are not even aware of anything regarding deaf or deaf issues. I didn't even know deafness was viewed as a culture until I became informed which sadly was several years after I found out my son was deaf. The reality is that most parents are going to be ignorant of many deaf issues simply because of lack of exposure, education and awareness. This is where depending on the type of person the parent is that they may either follow the advise of a professional or take that advise and weigh it against other views and opinions. As you know Cheri, this is not a simple black and white cut and dry issue.
Question three: Do you believe that cochlear implant is an individual choice, nor anyone's choice?
I think it's both. Another issue that is not simple and the decision should not be entered into lightly. This is where a parent should seek out information and where information should be readily available to any parents faced with this decision. That information should come in the form of metrics from the medical community and/or FDA. They should also seek information from the deaf community and after learning about all of the options, issues, pros and cons, make an informed decision. If a parent has done all of those things how can anyone fault them for their final decision regardless of what it is. And AGAIN, if a parent decides for an implant or not, they have still made a decision for their child.
Question four: Do you think the decision to get a cochlear implant should be no harder than deciding to buy glasses to correct a vision problem?
They are not the same becuase of the surgury involved. Having said that my parents made the decision to have my left eye operated on when I was less than two years old. It was major surgury that I am glad they decided for me because I would have most likely become blind in that eye had they not made that choice for me. I would say that is more comparable then simply deciding on glasses because they both involved surgury.
Question five: Do you think cochlear implants are unnecessary, oppressive, potentially harmful, particularly when forced upon minor children?
Absolutly not. I don't agree that forced is the correct term either. My parents didn't force me to get eye surgury. They made a decision for me that they felt in their hearts was in my best interest. To say they forced me would imply that they did this against my will where I was kicking and screaming to not be put under the knife.
Question six: Do you agree with those hearing parents who states that implanted children function and thrive better in a hearing word with the ability to hear and speak, Parents believes that in order to succeed, their child will have to be able to hear and speak.
This I believe is a matter of perspective. Some hearing people may make decisions based soly on their experience and from a hearing perspective just as deaf parents will make their decisions from their experience and a deaf perspective. Which is right? Perhaps both have their place and in some cases both are correct. It's not for me to decide or judge anyone. If a parent (Deaf or Hearing) makes an educated decision and is willing to adjust to what works best, then I would say they have done all they can. It's not my place to say what is the right or wrong way because the results will vary from one individual to another. There are just way to many variables to come out and say a particular way will be better than another.
Question seven: Do you think parents are obsessed over ability to hear is important to them instead of focus on the fact that their child is just a bit different from the parents?
This will vary depending on the parent. Everyone is different and everyone looks at the world through different eyes. Some people are open to change and new ideas and some aren't. Some people live in reality and some live in denial. The only thing you can do is hope that through education and awareness the parents will make informed decisions. Having said that there will also always be parents that are obsessed over the ability to hear and speak regardless of what they have learned. IMHO that is a personality triat (or flaw) that you may never be able to do anything about.
Question eight Do you believe that implanted children should exposed in both worlds not just one?
My personal opinion is that they should be exposed to both. This opinion that I have has evolved over time and is the result of my taking the initiative to learn about deaf issues. Alot of what I have learned is because of you and others here and on other boards. I have said this many times but I honestly believe that eduaction and awareness of deaf issues will help eliminate ignorance, audism and bring forth positive changes. The problem is that you cant ram education and awareness down someones throat if they don't care to learn.
In closing Cheri I know that your heart is in the right place but please for the sake of your cause don't come across to extreme. And choose your words carefully when describing the hearing or deaf population so that you don't appear to be one sided. I am not saying you are doing this but on the other hand, you and I have had this conversation about word choice on several occasions. While I know what you mean, others may not.
Thank you for letting me respond with my views.
j/k