education 155
Deaf children can learn in the same classes as
hearing children
Teaching deaf children and hearing children in the same class is often
the only way a community is able to educate deaf children. Children
who hear may tease or ignore deaf children because of the way they
speak or because they may not understand what people say. But if
people make an effort to stop that kind of hurtful behavior, deaf children
can have the opportunity to make friends with hearing children and to
become part of the local community.
We deaf and hearing
children would not want
to be separated — we
would be losing our
good friends!
We help
those who
can’t hear
see what they
need to know.
We push those in
their wheelchairs
if they need help.
As the children
become part of each
other’s lives, they
learn to appreciate
each other’s strengths
and support each
other.
We lend each
other things
we have
forgotten
to bring to
school.
Some local schools teach everyone sign language so deaf children are
not left out. Or they spend extra time to teach children who cannot hear
well to speak.
Benefits of learning with hearing children
• Deaf children can continue living at home with their families.
• It is often less expensive.
Difficulties of learning with hearing children
• Children who can hear may tease or ignore deaf children.
• Teachers may not be able to learn much about deafness or how to
teach children with different hearing abilities.
• There may not be enough people fluent in sign language to learn a
complete language. The child’s mental development may suffer.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)