Twenty-two deaf/hearing siblings interviewed all believed signing helped foster sibling relationships, validating the deaf sibling as an equal family member. Deaf children from non-signing families felt isolated (Berkowitz & Jonas, p19). Borsotti emphasized the importance of parents learning ASL [Borsotti, 2023]. ASL gives children a sense of belonging and reinforces self-esteem.
Interview Clip (Borsotti, 2023)
ASL supporters recommend learning ASL before English, so children can communicate with deaf and hearing individuals. Research shows learning English is difficult for the deaf as people need a foundation in one language before learning another. Deaf children fluent in both ASL and English do better in school (Ogden, 141-162). ASDC believes “Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children are entitled to full language and communication access.” and, “by giving babies language at a very early age, we are able to prevent that language deprivation if the family learns how to communicate with their child” [Dowling, 2023].
Laws now recognize deaf people’s right to accommodation. The 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) supports those with disabilities. The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act states, “State/local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations must make sure they communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities” (ADA.gov, 1990). This required facilities to provide communication access, like interpreters. The 2001 “No Child Left Behind” law ensures all children get education. The number of deaf students attending public schools increased after adding services like ASL interpreters. Such laws passed because deaf people had made advances in education using ASL.
Interview Clip (Elfouly, 2023)
The most widespread sign language is ASL, used in America, Canada, parts of Mexico, Africa, and Asia. Andrew Foster, “Father of Deaf Education in Africa'', was the first deaf African American to earn a BA from GU. In 1957, he opened the first school for the deaf in Ghana. Africa only had 12 deaf schools then. Today’s Ghanaian Sign Language is based on the ASL he brought and signs used locally. In 1960, he opened the first school for the deaf in Nigeria. He founded 32 deaf schools in 13 African countries. With ASL, frontiers have been crossed worldwide.
"Andrew Foster"
(Gallaudet University, 2014)