Parenting Issues

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PNP student

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I am a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner student and am interested in specific issues that face deaf parents. I would like to learn more about how I can provide more comprehensive and culturally sensitive care for my families.

I was hoping there were some members who would be willing to chat with me about their experiences as deaf parents.

Does anybody have any stories about trips to the pediatrician that have gone poorly?

Any concerns about your ability to get medical care for your children?

Communication issues while seeking care?

Do any of you participate in any support groups for deaf parents?

Any concerns about being a deaf parent of a hearing child?


What ever thoughts or stories that you have would be helpful in my ability to provide care to my deaf parents.

Thanks
 
I have a lot of experiences - both and good.

Can you be a bit more clear in what you are seeking?
 
Lots of deaf parents just let the nature takes its course... i had 4 children.. all grown up... no one taught me... i guess it is Mother's nature..same as hearing parents.. it is no big deal.. i feel insulted when you posted here trying to question us being deaf parents...
 
I am not quite sure what you are really asking for but here it goes...I have an ex husband who is hearing. What irked me the most is that the doctor always looked at him or gave him more information as if she thought I didnt know what I was doing. She never provided interpreters - not even after 13 years with this same doctor.

So the bottom line is Give BOTH parents (hearing and deaf) equal information, respect and support. Look at both in eyes, not looking at the hearing parent the entire time. I have vast experience and education in health field so naturally I know more than my hearing ex but it didnt seem to matter in her eyes.

I would have changed doctors but I didnt want to rock the boat.
 
SxyPorkie I am sorry if I insulted you. I was hoping to be more helpful to deaf parents who bring their children into the office to be seen.
I am looking for issues like Gemma wrote about the doctor not looking at her when he spoke or not providing an interpreter.

Do a large number of doctors expect you to use written communication? I am guessing that may be a challenge for some who find writing or reading in English difficult.

How about supporting deaf parents with a hearing child? Who helps you with providing language development? I know many deaf parents work extra hard to help with their children's speech development in addition to sign. Are the doctors supportive of this?
 
PNP student said:
Do a large number of doctors expect you to use written communication? I am guessing that may be a challenge for some who find writing or reading in English difficult.

How about supporting deaf parents with a hearing child? Who helps you with providing language development? I know many deaf parents work extra hard to help with their children's speech development in addition to sign. Are the doctors supportive of this?
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Yes doctors expect me to use written communication or read lips. I was in emergency room for 5 hours last night without a sign language interpreter. Just a classic case.

My doctor did not show any concern about my girls' language development but I did send them to child care at early age so they could be exposed to auditory language. Both are excellent and articulate speakers and have scored way above average in national reading/oral/writing categories.
 
Gemma said:
Yes doctors expect me to use written communication or read lips. I was in emergency room for 5 hours last night without a sign language interpreter. Just a classic case.

My doctor did not show any concern about my girls' language development but I did send them to child care at early age so they could be exposed to auditory language. Both are excellent and articulate speakers and have scored way above average in national reading/oral/writing categories.
Click to expand...

5 hours in the emergency room without an interpreter! That is just wrong! I wish people were more educated on how to communicate.

That is wonderful that you were able to make sure that your girls got everything that they needed!

I have heard some stories like these. Where the parents had to make all of the effort to make sure that their children are exposed to auditory language. That seems like an area where we are failing to help families.

Thanks
 
Kaitin
Thanks for posting those links for me. They were very helpful. I don't think many providers understand their responsibility with the ADA. I worked at a Family Practice office at a University which always provided ASL interpreters. It is sad to hear that so much of the rest of the world is not on top of things as much.

I am hoping that when I am done I will be able to create a deaf and HOH friendly clinic.
 
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