I was born deaf and attended schools for the deaf. The first school was oral but I learned sign language from friends and on the school bus where one can sign openly. The high school is a private catholic school. I attended a college for the deaf as well.
1. What is your opinion on the cochlear implant, and should babies be implanted?
I am ambivalent on CI. Great for those latened-deaf people but not so great for those who were born deaf because the parents are thinking of CI as a 100% cure and not liable to learn sign language. No CI for those babies.
2. Should the police force learn sign language so that they can communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing?
Just basic survival sign language as I hope they will be able to tell the difference between sign language and gang sign language.
3. What was your schooling experience like?
Education - lousy! (except for the high school) Overall, pretty much average for a deaf student.
4. Were you brought up involved in the deaf community or in the hearing community, what was your experience like?
Half and Half. I have deaf friends over (and vice versa) when I was young. In high school, I don't feel isolated like I do at home because my family don't know sign language. I also have a very good friend who is hearing (now deaf in one ear due to brain tumor surgery).
