Shel,
for your response. It must have been hard communicating with your family with out sign and having to speak. I feel parents and family learn to sign for better communication. If a child, when old enogh to decide for themselves want to speak, that's ok. No one should be forced to do something the whish not to do and stuggle with because someone else likes it better.
I am a teacher too. I teach college and work in theater.
I played softball for 12 years. I don't get any time to play now and I miss it!
How old are your kids? I have 2 boys. They are 2 & 4 years old.
I like your comment about deaf culture. But all culture is the same way. There are always many things that are good and always flaws too. I can think of many for American culture!!!
