Communication is more than key

As parents, we want to do what's best for our children.  Sometimes that means making a decision that we think is best.....and then just hoping that it is.  As parents of a deaf child, there are so many more decisions that you just don't otherwise think about.  One of those is at the forefront of our world right now - school.  Yes, we always want to send our kids to the best school possible, but for us that means deciding between Deaf school or "mainstream" school.  And we have heard SO many opinions on this.  From deaf people who went to public school, from deaf people who went to Deaf school, and from concerned family and friends.  The bottom line is that we have to do what we feel is best for our daughter.  Right now that means finding a way to move to NY so that she can attend Rochester School for the Deaf.  Their program is incredible!
But the most important thing is that we continue to learn ASL so that we can communicate with our daughter as she gets older.  So that we can ask her for her opinion on where she would rather go to school.  So that she always knows that she can come to us with anything that she may want to discuss and that we will take the time to see what she has to say and to understand her.  I never want my daughter to feel out of place at holiday gatherings or family functions.  I know we have so much to learn, and sometimes it seems daunting, but when I look back at how far we've come....together, as a family, I am so proud and I know we can do it, no matter what it takes.  I mean, 3 years ago we had almost zero knowledge of ASL, and now, we attend Deaf Church, have many Deaf friends, and can carry on conversations with them and with our daughter.  Are we slow? Yes!  Do they make accommodations for us and slow themselves down for us, even spelling when needed?  Yes!  But we're doing it!  We're learning and growing every day, and I wouldn't trade this crazy life for all the riches in the world.  And we are so grateful to the Deaf Community for welcoming us with open arms.  Thank you!
Now, go learn a new sign today at Signing with Shea on Facebook!