Deaf by Design

Getting our first real taste of genetics in the real world, we were introduced to an article called "Deaf by Design". The article tells the story of how a deaf couple want to concieve a deaf child, the world of deaf people, and the controversial side of having prenatal genetic testing to select a "desired" child.
Having never associated or known a deaf person, this article was an interesting and eye opening experience into the deaf community. I don't see deaf people any different than us, but I do feel concerned because they are usually isolated. They cannot hear or talk to people who do not know sign language and they can never hear music, the radio and television. The Deaf cannot hear their own children's laughter, cries, or anything that inspires all of the hearing people hearing from their children. It sound a little devasting but it seems as if the Dead don't see being deaf as a handicap. They've got their own tight knit community and their own culture, and they I'm sure they view their lifestyles as an alternative way of life, just as valuable as the life of hearing individuals.

As to them wanting a deaf child rather than a hearing one .... sure, why not. To each their own. If they think they can be better parents and it would lead to a stronger bond between the family, it seems as if it's the obvious answer to let them have what they want. As to aborting a fetus that can hear, it's not the most reassuring thing to hear and there definitely should be limitations and boundaries to this sticky topic.

While watching the documentary involving decision to getting a cochlear implant for a child, there was really one thing running through my mind. And that is how cool sign language is. Really, it's fascinating how sign language can be such a powerful way communicating from just using hand shapes to convey meaning.

As to getting a cochlear implant .... I'm not against anything that will improve life. The technology can help a Deaf person go so far beyond in the future, because after all, most people on this planet don't use sign language to communicate. It all comes down to whether the parents make the right decision. No one can interject and argue with the family on whats the best decision for the child. Outsiders never know the whole story.