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As many as 5 out of every 1,000 children have some type of hearing loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Causes range from genetics to infections, and the consequences can last a lifetime. Parents new to the issue face a daunting list of options and treatments. In Native America, do families have all they need to raise a child who is deaf?
Guests:
Dr. Stephanie Bourn -pediatric audiologist at Presbyterian Ear Institute
Priscilla Gutierrez – educational consultant for the New Mexico School for the Deaf
Break Music: Lei Ko`ele (song) Patrick Landeza (artist) Nahe`olu (album)
Native America Calling extra: Dennis Banks and Orlando Vigil stopped in to talk about the Longest Walk 5 to raise awareness of drug abuse and domestic violence. Hear the entire interview:
Please be advised that the term, “hearing impaired” is unacceptable. Here is the explanation:
The term “Hearing Impaired” is a technically accurate term much preferred by hearing people, largely because they view it as politically correct. In the mainstream society, to boldly state one’s disability (e.g., deaf, blind, etc.) is somewhat rude and impolite. To their way of thinking, it is far better to soften the harsh reality by using the word “impaired” along with “visual”, “hearing”, and so on. “Hearing-impaired” is a well-meaning word that is much-resented by deaf and hard of hearing people. This term was popular in the 70s and 80s, however, now is used mostly by doctors, audiologists and other people who are mainly interested in our ears “not working.”
While it’s true that their hearing is not perfect, that doesn’t make them impaired as people. Most would prefer to be called Deaf, Hard of Hearing or deaf when the need arises to refer to their hearing status, but not as a primary way to identify them as people (where their hearing status is not significant).
We are deaf, and not people with impairments (obstacles) in life!
Hope that you and your people respect by refusing to use the outdated and offensive term. Hearing loss is more acceptable for everyone who is not just deaf.
http://www.eastersealscrossroads.org/blog/2011/september/deaf-vs-hearing-impaired
http://www.deafau.org.au/info/terminology.php
http://nad.org/issues/american-sign-language/community-and-culture-faq