Should deaf children focus on reading and writing instead of learning sign language? According to Dr. Maree Madden, some educators and professionals fear that teaching deaf children sign and spoken language at the same time will be confusing for the child. On one side, some schools and organizations such as the Alexander Graham Bell association of the deaf support the development of speech and listening skills in children with hearing loss and exclude sign language. According to the National Technical Institute For The Deaf (NTID), some professionals in the field of deafness believe that if a child learns to sign, the child will be inhibited from learning vocal and written language. The NTID says that there is no published evidence that learning sign impedes the acquisition of spoken and written language. Madden suggests that deaf children benefit from exposure to both sign and spoken language immediately after the children are diagnosed with profound hearing loss and are not confused. sign language can be a very useful tool, it can help children academically, enhance social interaction and provides connection the other deaf people. Like Dr. Maree, It is my opinion that deaf children should be taught both written and spoken language and sign. I feel It would not be confusing for the child but enhance their life.
http://carolafinch.hubpages.com/hub/The-Controversy-About-Deaf-Children-Learning-Sign-Language
http://carolafinch.hubpages.com/hub/The-Controversy-About-Deaf-Children-Learning-Sign-Language