Gallaudet University and the National Association of the Deaf Bust ASL Myths

Summary

This video script addresses common myths about raising Deaf children, particularly around the use of American Sign Language (ASL). Experts from the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and Gallaudet University debunk myths such as the belief that ASL harms brain development or speech learning. Research shows that learning ASL enhances language acquisition, speech, reading, and writing skills. The video emphasizes the importance of a bilingual approach (signing and speaking) for Deaf children's development and advocates against outdated medical advice that discourages ASL.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍⚕️ Doctors often share myths about deafness that can mislead parents of Deaf children.
• 🚫 Myth 1: Using ASL will damage auditory tissue in the brain—research shows this is false.
• 🧠 Both audio and visual languages are processed in the same part of the brain.
• 🗣️ Myth 2: Learning ASL hurts a child’s ability to learn to speak—research proves that signing helps with speech development.
• 🎓 Deaf children who sign and use cochlear implants have better speech, reading, and writing skills compared to those who don't sign.
• ⏳ Waiting to introduce sign language until after learning to hear with cochlear implants can harm development.
• 📚 Myth 3: Deaf children will graduate from high school with a 4th grade reading level—this statistic is outdated and misleading.
• 🍼 95% of Deaf children today are identified at birth, which improves their language acquisition and development.
• 🔍 Gallaudet University and the NAD are actively working to disprove these myths with research and advocacy.
• 👐 A bilingual approach, using both ASL and spoken language, is essential for the best development of Deaf children.

Q & A

What is the main issue addressed in the video script?

The script addresses common myths surrounding Deaf children and the use of American Sign Language (ASL), and how these myths are often perpetuated by doctors and medical professionals.

What is the first myth discussed regarding deafness?

The first myth is that using ASL will damage the auditory tissue in the brain.

How does Tawny Holmes from the National Association of the Deaf debunk the first myth?

Tawny explains that research shows that the brain processes both audio and visual languages in the same area, and it does not matter whether the language is spoken or signed.

What is the second myth mentioned in the script?

The second myth is that learning ASL will hurt a Deaf child’s ability to learn to speak.

How does Beth Benedict from Gallaudet University refute the second myth?

Beth explains that research shows signing actually helps with speech development, and children who sign while using cochlear implants often have better proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing.

Why is waiting to teach a Deaf child language while they learn to hear with cochlear implants considered detrimental?

Tawny mentions that waiting to teach language delays the child’s development. She advocates for teaching sign language alongside speech, allowing children to flourish.

What is the third myth discussed in the video script?

The third myth is that Deaf children will graduate from high school reading at a 4th grade level.

What factors contribute to the myth that Deaf students read at a 4th grade level?

The myth stems from a study done in 2000 on SAT scores of students born in 1988, a time when early detection of deafness was less common. Missed language acquisition during early years contributed to the lower reading levels.

How has early detection of deafness changed since the 2000 study?

Tawny states that now 95% of Deaf children are identified at birth, allowing parents to become involved earlier and reducing the likelihood of missed language acquisition.

What are Gallaudet University and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) doing to combat these myths?

Both institutions are working on research and advocacy programs, like the NAD’s Education Advocates Program, to spread awareness about the benefits of bilingual education for Deaf children and to disprove harmful myths.