Yes, I meant that about 99% use spoken language and agree that those who use spoken English would be less than that. Either way, it is beyond debate that virtually every person in the United States does not use ASL as their primary means of communication.
Wholeheartedly agree that those who use ASL are not lacking in intelligence but that has nothing to do with implanting your child. Not really sure why you are injecting it into this discussion.
An implant does not make your child more intelligent but if it gives that child the opportunity to develop oral language skills then that child can have more opportunities available to her. Whether that is right or wrong is not the issue but acknowledging the reality.
Just as getting a college degree is not a sign of intelligence but the reality is that it gives those who have it more opportunities then those who, while they may even be more intelligent, but do not have a college education. Again, not right or wrong but reality.
Rick
