People not understanding about sign language?

Question

My daughter is DD (developmentally delayed..and yes she was tested for this) and really can't talk much yet. She is almost 2. So, I went and taught her some sign language so I knew when she wanted to eat and if she wanted more. Well, she lets us know when she is hungry. I have overheard people whispering to each other..that "she can hear, why did we teach her that type of crap" What would you tell someone in this situation?

All your answers are great! I will have to try them. Thanks a million. Only if some of those idiots in the world understood about disabilities.

Answer 1

I have business cards printed up that say:

"This Is My Son Sam
He has multiple disabilities

He Cannot Control His Behavior
But we work on it every day

Sam has High Functioning Autism
Sam has Childhood Onset BiPolar Disorder
Sam has multiple learning disabilities
Sam has many other health issues
Sam has an unknown genetic disorder
We appreciate your patience with us
Sam's Mom: (my e-mail address)"

I give out this card as needed, sometimes handing it to a waitress... sometimes just dropping it on someone's table or handing it to them if they're sitting behind us during a performance.

You could have something printed up saying:

"This Is My Daughter Emma

Emma has developmental delays

Emma has difficulty communicating so we use sign language to give her a way to tell us what she needs

Emma has normal hearing and can hear our words of encouragement and praise

We work with Emma every day to help her improve her language skills

Thank you for your support of our very special child

Emma's Mom (your e-mail address)"

Educate without being confrontational... and wish them well if you can.

Answer 2

I have absolutely no problem when you teach your kids sign language as a tool like you did. I had a friend as a child who had mild autism so spoke very late and her mother taught her sign language (way before it was an in thing) so she wouldn't feel so left out from the rest of the world. The only time I have an issue is when people do it to play one up with the other mommies. Or the people who try to claim because I haven't taught my daughter to sign that she's somehow stupider or that I'm neglecting her.

Answer 3

I am insulted by the fact that someone would say such a thing. There is nothing wrong with sign language. I would tell them "I heard your whisper comments about my child and I find that was inappropriate for you two to make that kind of comment about sign language is crap and my child and there is nothing wrong with communicating with a child in any language which at least she can communicate and understand what she and I say. Not only you insulted the way my child and I communicate, you insulted every person who are mental challenged, deaf and hard of hearing who communicate by signing. Shame on you for calling sign language a type of crap." Make sure your in public place when you confront them and loud enough for everyone to hear so they will feel embarrassed, ashamed, and guilty.

Answer 4

Teach your daughter to flip them off when they whisper about her :)

No seriously, if they are people you don't know then just ignore them. Or if it really gets to you, stare at them for a while and then start whispering to whoever you're with, while glancing at the whisperers occassionally. See how they like it.

If it's people you know, you can point out that she's going to know two langauges before she starts school which will put her ahead of the other kids despite being developmentally delayed. Or you can just explain to them it's well documented that it's often easier for kids with developmental disabilities to learn sign language if they are struggling with spoken language. I don't know if you came up with the sign language thing on your own, or if her doctor recommended it, but it's often recommended that kids with developmental delays that might cause significant language problems be taught sign language even from birth (or as early as possible) as it's easier to learn.

Answer 5

Considering they figured out that your daughter can hear, and they're whispering to each other about it within earshot, they're pretty much rude jerks. I would look them directly in the eye and tell them you can hear, too. You shouldn't have to explain anything about being developmentally delayed.

There are plenty of people who teach children of all abilities sign language - it helps expand young children's ability to communicate and doesn't interfere with language development.

Answer 6

most of my family is deaf although i am not, technically speaking, sign language is a much easier trait to learn and is a great skill to develope especially if she is "DD", the people who are whispering about her look at it as a waste of time because they do not understand the power it can have, it is a good skill and a great way to communicate because if they cannot try to get the word out that they want to say, they have another form of communication, Plus you can talk about those people to her right in front of them and they won't know what you're signing

Answer 7

sure I do :) Had colleagues who have been listening to-impaired... So I had to speak with them by using sign language... yet i think sorry for them... there have been human beings around who have been bitching approximately them, purely because of the fact they at the instant cannot pay attention a unmarried element... *contemplated photograph*

Answer 8

I think if they were asking you I would tell them about her DD and explain to them t is easier for you and your spouse to understand her. If it is a stranger and they are whispering tell them with a VERY SLIGHT annoyed tone. Understanding people will understand, but for anyone else just brush them off and forget about them

Answer 9

let these people know that your child will be bi-lingual from the start and if they don't want to have their kids playing catch-up in school, maybe they should be a little more open minded.
it has been proven that children can learn ASL faster than verbal languages and that can help them to develop faster.

Answer 10

in all honesty people need to be put in their place when it comes to situations like that. if you hear people mumble stuff, confront them about it. people fear what they dont understand. sometimes it just takes a good "shut the F up". In most cases if you just explain what the situation is they wont be so ignorant next time. also, dont feel the need to explain yourself or your daughters actions to people who are just plain rude. unless they are a complete *** they wont take offense to you confronting them.