I am able to reply to your question from 9:50 p.m., right now although I will answer your other question and comments when I have a bit more time to type a longer response. I am representing myself as a Deaf Canadian only, and don’t presume to speak for other Deaf Canadians. I can only present my views as influenced by my experiences as a Canadian, born and bred. Canada is officially bilingual (English and French are both official languages in my country, as I’m certain you’re aware), so that has an impact on my views of the world, particularly when it comes to ASL and Deaf culture. I will tell you this: I am a firm believer in bilingualism, and feel monolingualism can be more harmful than helpful in certain situations. I will elaborate on that at another time.

Shel

Shel

Addition: I used to make fun of anything that is not ASL. Nowadays, I just let them be. Civil liberties and all that.

I’m curious: what do you say about pupils taught in the aural/oral/AVT methods being accepted and graduating from Ivy league and other reputable schools?

I didn’t indicate my angle (general) for asking Shel and you didn’t ask what angle I was driving at. Regardless, I unconditionally apologize. I don’t necessarily consider you at fault assuming (per above comment) my asking within specific frameworks of a discussion on ASL/Bilingualism.

I chuckled when you asked me if I asked AGBADHH that question. I can read, thank you. It’s self-explanatory the organization espouses the opposite of my viewpoint here.

Like it or not, we’re on the same page. I never once in my lifetime married audiological aids as essential to the intelligence of a given individual let alone success of the ASL/bilingualism other approaches including that of AVT.

Would you believe it that I once asked J.J. Puorro what AVT stands for? That’s how ignorant I’m about the such. Enough said, I wished.

Mark my words: if hell exists it’ll freeze before anyone find I’m lying about the above about audiological aids.

I never had use for hearing aids nor cochlear implants. Days of school were missed due to negative, migraine-like effects they had on me. I’m practically “allergic” to them and whenever I was forced to use I’d dramatize much to amusement of my peers what I saw on TV in these PBS or whatever TV broadcasts of oral interests.

Speech class. I never made Principal Lists due to speech teachers: one “C” grade-I’m out of luck. This was how so formidable the state-run school for the deaf was on this.

As one who’s profoundly, pre-lingually Deaf and a native user of ASL I had ASL-Deaf girlfriends with hearing aids and cochlear implants (the latter took long for me to get used to) and many of same who had no use for the aids.

Don’t you forget about AGBADHH and my grandparents. My grandparents decided their old (but earned) money is better off used not with AGBADHH but rather with others.

The AGBADHH will exist. They’re so powerful for reasons self-explanatory not to mention organizational efficiency apart from controversial philosophies which I oppose. When I say “powerful” many tends to misunderstand thinking I’m endorsing them. That’s a bunch hogwash.

Even the small and struggling NAD and hopefully affiliated state associations (I’m trying not to assess based on the pageant numbers) will exist because they have potential especially if they embrace and practice truest of diversity.

Why did I indicate “truest of diversity.” There’s organic claims that aren’t really organic (i.e. foods, soap, etc.) Same thing here. Truest of diversity I’m talking about zero-tolerance and cracking down on glad-hand tactics including tokenism especially towards persons of color and Deafblind to name just two important components.

Yes, both organizations have strengths and weaknesses. About weakness: hidden agendas is quite commonplace.

Example: AGBADHH’s language on policies pertaining to AVT; not following up on dialogue on controversial issues.

Example: NAD’s lacking transparency in announcing the COO position and subsequent hiring without advertising (or announcing intentions to hire at their own discretion).

Transparency on part of both needs to be similarly practiced. An good example: towns disclosing to the public virtually all aspects such as hearings on zoning, liquor licensing (restaurants, taverns). We must KNOW.

Have you asked AGBell and their associates if they are against bilingual (ASL/English-reading and writing) philosophy no matter the circumstances (i.e. totally consenting) involved?

I have nothing against cochlear implants if this human being wants it but to implant an infant and tell the parents that it is a “cure” of deafness it very misleading and I think that many Deaf and Hearing people are concerning about those that are implanted without bilingual philosophy which will cause delay or permanently lost of language acquisition.

Your question to Shel regarding the acceptation of cochlear implant doesn’t revolve the solution in the betterment of Deaf babies and children in schools. The education of the brain should be noted as the main priority first for a Deaf child because the emphasization with the education of the mouth and ear first is the major reason why many Deaf child failed to learn to speak and hear like hearing people.
The philosophy for a Deaf child to learn to speak and hear first is like having the horse behind the cart.

Shel

Yes I agree with you… That is what I see… I am gonna make a new vlog soon to address an issue of Audism: Deaf Surivivalists… I may make it tonight and deliver it tomorrow morning before I go work…

David