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We
believe deaf or hard-of-hearing children
are entitled to full communication
access in their home, school, and community.
We also believe that language development,
respect for the Deaf, and access to
deaf and hard-of-hearing role models
are important to assure optimal intellectual,
social, and emotional development.
We
believe that consideration of communication
opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing children
should be based on facts. Research consistently demonstrates
that fluency in sign language and English offers deaf children
(including those with cochlear implants) and hard-of-hearing
children optimal opportunities for social and academic success,
and thus both should be part of their language-rich environment.
We
believe there should
be access to identification
and intervention
by qualified providers,
family involvement,
and educational opportunities
equal to those provided
for hearing children. The goal should
be to provide children
what they need in
order to become self-supporting
and fulfilled adults.
We
affirm that parents have the right and responsibility to
be primary decision-makers and advocates. For this role,
parents need education, access to information, and support. |
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