BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND--The following three paragraphs are excerpts from a column by Belfast Telegraph "Deaf Talkabout" editor Bob McCullough (source: Inclusion Daily Express)
One of the biggest difficulties in writing this column is trying to bridge the gulf between those who see sign language as the solution to all our problems and others who prefer the term 'hearing impaired' and want to make use of modern means of amplification such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.
The first group insist that it is the experience of being deaf and not the condition of being audiologically deaf that is significant.
Deafness is not viewed as an inadequacy and they take exception to those parents who feel they must go through a grieving process when they learn that their child is deaf.
Entire article:
How we view being deaf http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/features/story.jsp?story=610081