Experts tell us how the brain works when it doesn't develop properly and when it does. Their solution? Giving Deaf children access to both ASL and English leads to healthy development and should be part of every child's learning process from day one.
Next week we meet two women who did just that.
Two of the nation's largest ASL supporters team up to prove a number of ASL myths wrong. Doctors routinely tell their patients "facts" about Deafness that have since been proven false or are outdated. See what myths you might think are true.
Take a look at the story arc we will be launching this Spring. This will be our first arc to take a stand and a call for action. We'll bring you stories from medical and personal perspectives on the issue of language equality.
We're proud to announce this arc is in partnership with LEAD-K and a distribution team around the country. Stay tuned for more info on where you can find our stories.
Our
Sponsors!
DHN Stands for Deaf Children's Right to Language Access
Gallaudet University and the National Association of the Deaf Bust ASL Myths
LEAD-K: Language, Activism, Pictures -- Fighting For Deaf Children
Three women tell us about LEAD-K, an organization working towards getting all Deaf children Kindergarten ready. They share the personal stories that led them to join the cause. Their fight? To start using English AND ASL when teaching Deaf children instead of English OR ASL.
Coming up we look at people who've successfully grown up with English and ASL, as well as those who grew up oral and look back wishing they had ASL.
Deaf Children Need Adequate Communication to Develop a Healthy Brain, Experts Say
The co-founder of LEAD-K didn't start out as an ASL advocate, in fact, she didn't even start out using ASL. See how Julie Rems Smario was raised orally but became a champion for all Deaf children and their right to ASL.
A Deaf Woman's Journey From Oralism to ASL -- See Her Success Today
Additional Coverage on Language Equality
California Bill Could Establish Language Benchmarks for Deaf Kids
We've told you about LEAD-K and their fight for language equality. Now, they are proposing a bill to the legislature, with the support of California oral schools, to require language benchmarks. The education committee has passed it. Watch here.
Two Deaf Women Show Us Bilingualism At Its Finest
Meet two Deaf women who grew up speaking and signing. Their parents say they wanted to give them everything so they could choose what was best for them later in life.
Next week we will introduce you to a co-founder of LEAD-K who grew up orally and started signing later in life.