Deaf-led Legislative Effort to Ensure Deaf Babies Aren't Language Deprived Subverted
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In an OPEN LETTER, Language Equality & Acquisition for Deaf Kids - Kindergarten-Readiness (LEAD-K) addresses AGB's attempt to undermine Deaf-led effort to eliminate language deprivation in Deaf children, when they developed a mirror bill that promotes "listening and speaking language," a brand that financially benefits the Alexander Graham Bell (AGB) organization.
The letter, posted on LEAD-K's website www.lead-k.org/media in both English and American Sign Language (ASL), as well as National Lead-K Campaign for Deaf Kids Facebook page, reminds the public of Alexander Graham Bell's mission in the 1800's to ban sign language and eradicate Deaf people, a 133-year-old mindset that continues to drive the current AGB organization.
LEAD-K calls out AGB's attempts to thwart Deaf-led effort with subversive tactics intended to confuse legislators and AGB's use of an "US vs THEM" mentality that distracts from the real issue which is to ensure that the Deaf child acquire language.
According to LEAD-K, AGB is misguided by focusing on disempowering a Deaf-led movement instead of acknowledging and addressing the epidemic of Deaf and hard of hearing children arriving at school without the foundations of language.
"Deaf children are not learning language through the current methodology in Deaf education." As stated by Sheri Farinha, LEAD-K Campaign Director, "The stats don't lie. We are experiencing an epidemic of language deprivation."
Ms. Farinha further stated "We cannot afford to lose another generation of Deaf children by engaging in an ideological war. Deaf children who have language are Kindergarten-ready."
About LEAD-K: Since 2012, the Language Equality & Acquisition for Deaf Kids - Kindergarten-Readiness (LEAD-K) has been making head way with introducing legislation in different states to end language deprivation. The LEAD-K campaign is a direct response to the alarming number of Deaf and hard of hearing children arriving at school without language. Language deprivation has irreparably catastrophic consequences on the educational, social, and vocational development of Deaf and hard of hearing children. When provided with access and opportunities, the Deaf child has the ability to develop language normally. The Deaf child who has the foundation of language will acquire English literacy. At LEAD-K, we believe that Deaf children benefit from American Sign Language (ASL), a natural visual language, however our goal is language acquisition regardless of the language used, whether ASL or English or both.
For more information, contact Julie Rems Smario: [email protected] or (925) 209-3537 text www.lead-k.org www.facebook.com/ASL4DeafKids
SOURCE LEAD-K
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