How can my deaf BF improve his comprehension? He's 48 so maybe it's too late? But I don't want to think that.

Question

He loves math, history and English but he says he has trouble understanding them. He was held back a grade b/c of it. But he's not dumb, it's just that it's hard to understand when you can't hear. And 35-40 years ago when he was a kid, teachers weren't all that helpful. I think he FEELS dumb. How can I 1) help his self-esteem and 2) help him improve at math and English? Have other deaf ppl experienced this?

Deafness is gross? And who has a 48yo boyfriend? Sigh...

Answer 1

MetsGirl! You're a moron.

GreenGrass,

Except for a few residential schools, the educational systems for the deaf has always been pitifully inadequate.

1. Self esteem is hard to encourage since it comes from within. You can praise him and comment on the things he does know and is good at.
2. Its difficult for a deaf person to be really good at english since that's their second language (ASL being the native language), just like its difficult for a hearing person to be totally proficient at ASL.
He could take night classes at a local community college, they are required to provide an interpreter.
I love History too, there are a million sites on the Internet, he could read for days and not scratch the surface. Math I hate so I cant answer that one.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Many other Deaf people have experienced this. The best way to help him understand is to get him into college or community classes where a skilled interpreter can help him visulize the subject instead of focusing on words. When understanding comes his self-esteem will take off. I see it everyday because I am an interpreter and teacher.

Answer 3

Hi there.. you should read and study with him.... he would love that... it would help him to understand and you would be showing him how much you love hm...pick topics that you both enjoy and work through it with him...