Wrapping It All Up In A Pretty Bow!

      As I wrap up my research on teaching children American Sign Language, I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed putting these posts together for parents everywhere. I sincerely hope that the information here will help educate and empower you to make an educated choice when it comes to teaching your children sign language. 
My children still are learning sign language and even now people will ask “why do you still teach Brooklyn sign if she can speak so well?” My answer is typically along the lines of “why not continue to teach her?” She loves it, we love doing it with her, and who knows, maybe one day she will meet her soul mate or her best friend for life that is deaf and she connects with them on a deeper level because she has the background in sign language. 
While I was doing this research and writing these blogs and contemplating those conversations I have had with multiple people, I cam across this article, “Crimes against the Deaf: The Politics of Ableism.” The article reviews discrimination that hearing people enforced upon deaf people without even consulting them. Meaning, oralists wanted to “enable deaf people to speak for themselves.” The most ironic part of the entire conversation is that they never once consulted deaf people on the policy. 
The conversation regarding the “point” to teach my child sign language when she can speak came to mind while reading this article and I realized that they are very similar situations. Both instances involve a degree of discrimination and negativity toward sign language and the deaf. This should never be the case and it is my sincerest hope that with the information you are now armed with, this is one groups of people and one language you will never look down on again. 

Just for old times sake, let’s learn two more signs!

DOG

CAT