Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)
A note to translators
We hope this book will be translated into many written
languages. From experience, we know that although
the words will be changed, in many cases the original
pictures will be used. We encourage translators to
make an extra effort to change the pictures that
include signs. That way, their translation could
show signs that are actually used in their own
country or community.
About the way we use ‘he’ and ‘she’ in this book
Most books about children who are deaf talk about the children as if they are all
boys and use the word ‘he’ to refer to any child. This happens because society
holds men to be more important than women and that belief is built into our
language.
In fact, girls are not only left out of our language,
they often receive less attention and care as well.
This can include getting less food and getting less
health care — both of which may contribute to
deafness.
In a small way, we have tried to reflect a more
equal world by using both ‘he’ and ‘she’ to refer to
children. Because ‘he or she’ is awkward, we use ‘he’
in some sections and ‘she’ in others. If at times this
is confusing, please pardon us.
Remember, all children need and deserve our love
and support.
To start using this book
The first chapter of this book explains the kinds of problems many children and
families face when a child cannot hear well. Chapter 2 explains how parents and
others can make a difference by helping children develop to the best of their ability.
Chapter 2 also describes what you will find in the different parts of this book.
Within each chapter we point to other places in the book you might want to look
for additional information.