2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Frank visited two schools for the deaf that offered very different approaches to education. Did you learn anything?

When Frank was at the first school I was wondering how a child who was born totally deaf was going to learn how to speak. I guess both schools would do great work but with different types of deafness.

I’m with you, Phrynne, in thinking there’s a difference if the person ever had hearing. I wonder what modern thinking is on the subject.

Here’s an interesting analysis by Gallaudet University (the university in Washington, DC for the deaf). Apparently, historically there was a stigma attached to sign language but it is the preferred approach by the deaf for a variety of reasons. I couldn’t find a hypothesis for those who went deaf after having had hearing.

http://gupress.gallaudet.edu/excerpts...

I also wondered how Brian would be able to speak if he were born deaf. The school that teaches sign language makes sense for him.

Probably so, Robin.

Our grandson, who does not speak, has one finger on one hand, a thumb and finger on the other. He is being taught at school how to communicate with an i-pad. Our daughter was given one identical to his for home use, and she is learning how to communicate in the same way. Best use for an i-pad I've heard of!

That’s just wonderful, Charlene.

Of course! I had not thought about it before but signing is a bit redundant when you can just type your conversations on an iPad!

I don't know whether he is typing words yet, although he does know the alphabet. But the i-pad has pictures of school mates, teacher, bus driver, nurse, family, home, bus, etc. I am so excited for them!

I meant for future use as well:) Once he can write it will be a quick, easy way for him to communicate with any one any where.

I know that in the 70s there was a huge debate about the use of sign language vs. teaching only speaking to the deaf.

There was a wonderful movie with James Woods about it - And Your Name is Jonah
I say do it all and go with what works whether it be signing, speaking, iPads. Now that we have the technology, we must use it to make all people's lives easier.

I thought Frank was amazingly open on the subject compared to his attitude in the first book. In the first book he would never have discussed anything pertaining to his son let alone go to 2 different schools for him. Brian was all but ignored by Frank prior to this book and now he is researching for him. Next step is advocating for him.

It was a powerful revelation for him to learn his son was deaf and not "simple." I have to keep reminding myself that this man suffered two losses...his wife who he loved dearly and his son because he never thought he’d be able to communicate with him.