The desire of Deaf children, Deaf young adults,and Deaf Adults is for their parents to be fluent in ASL. Learning a few signs around the house does not suffice. However, completing formal ASL classes, i.e. ASL 1-5 from a Deaf teacher at a school or college nearby is likened as the gift of gifts. Truly.
Time spent becoming fluent in ASL and incorporating the principles of Deaf Culture into your overall life is so highly yearned for by your son or daughter. This is because your son/ daughter wants a relationship and doing so involves language.
Language is sacred to nations, cultures, communities, and individuals. Sharing and speaking the same language forms a unique bond.
“So what Do I have to know or do? Am I not trying hard enough to put food on the table and a roof over their head?” Such rhetorical questions and points are valid. We applaud you and respect that. However, such points are likened to the base level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Look at the diagram to the right. Above food and shelter is ‘love and belonging’, ‘esteem’, and ‘self actualization’. Note, no one can get to ‘self-actualization’ without ‘esteem’ and ‘love and belonging’ already achieved.
Much can be said of Deaf battling esteem and belonging issues. Today, after generations of testimonies from those who are Deaf or Hard of hearing coupled with scientific research, we have a clearer picture of what is missing: #Language. #Learn ASL.
Parents, feel free to contact us about seriously learning ASL or feel free to check out our resources page.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:
