hearing difficulties and communication 7
Here is Julia’s story. When Julia’s parents realized she
was deaf, they made up signs to use with her.
Julia’s story
Irene and Pedro realized their daughter Julia was deaf
when other children her age were talking but she had
not yet learned to speak.
Irene was determined that Julia would have every chance to
learn and succeed in life. Despite her doubts, fears, and many
questions, Irene thought, “Just because she can’t hear doesn’t
mean she can’t learn how to do things.”
Irene remembered the time she met a foreign woman who
spoke a different language. While they weren’t able to talk to each
other, they used gestures and acted out what they wanted to say.
Even though it took more time
and they sometimes
misunderstood each other,
they enjoyed themselves.
So to communicate with
Julia, the whole family made up
Julia is so smart.
Look how quickly
she learns new
signs. And now
Miguel is learning
them too.
gestures and ‘home signs’ and
used them together. Even the
neighbors began to learn how
to use Julia’s home signs.
Then Irene asked a teacher at
the village school when Julia could
start. The teacher said that she did
not have any way to teach deaf
children. She told Irene about a school that might be able to teach
Julia, but it was a 2-hour walk there and back. Pedro and Irene
wondered how old Julia would have to be before she could go
there by herself every day.
The human desire to communicate is very strong. When parents learn
how to communicate with gestures and home signs, little girls like
Julia can blossom into smart, happy children.
But every child has the right to an education! How can
Julia continue to learn? It was only because of how things
changed in my country that I was able to go to school.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)