Discuss the controversy over different methods to teach deaf ...

[Frost2351]

Discuss the controversy over different methods to teach deaf children how to communicate.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What are some of the characteristics of early intervention with children who are deaf or hard of hearing?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[leahchrapun]

Answer to Question 1

Students may note that the debate over oral versus manual approaches to educating deaf persons has a long history and is quite complex, involving individual needs, family decisions and values, and the impact of a vibrant Deaf culture.
Ideally, the choice of a communication method depends on individual persons, the individuals ability to acquire a particular system early, whether the individual will eventually need to function in a mainstream classroom (and whether deaf students should be in the mainstream classroom).

Answer to Question 2

Answers might include these points:

 Early intervention is highly collaborative, involving parents, teachers, and possibly medical personnel.
 For children with hearing loss, earlier is better with regard to intervention, because communication skills develop within the first months and years of life.
 Hearing aids and other amplification devices can be used.
 Specific language-based interventions are emphasized.
 One controversial intervention is cochlear implants, which may help a child hear better but may also cause the child to not fit in either the Deaf or hearing culture.