Communication Challenges of Deaf Children with their Hearing Families in Some Selected School of Addis Ababa
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Date
2013-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study investigated communication challenges of deaf children with their hearing families. In
order to obtain relevant information in depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with
ten deaf children and their hearing families. Those who are learning in special deaf schools in
regular classes, and used sign language from an early age had negative communication
experiences at home. It was found that they could not achieve communication either in ESL or
orally with their hearing families. The results of the study indicated that parents expressed
different reactions as a result of having deaf and hard of hearing children. The stigma held by the
family about the causes and consequence of communication influenced the children to feel
embarrassed and disgraced. This may be one of the causes for deaf children’s to develop
negative attitude towards their hearing families. The beliefs held by families of the deaf about the
causes of their children’s deafness varies from real cause to sin, evil eye, curse, misdeed in
previous life by parents and misfortune. The types of treatment sought by parents to get cure for
their children varies from modern medical center to traditional healer, witchcraft, prayer, and
holy water. Some parents believed that their children have less communication potential, unable
to participate in families discussion, and unable to talk interact like hearing siblings. Those
families who are in better educational level have positive perception about their deaf children
and play positive role in the overall personality development of their children. This study
suggests the importance of an early and mutual mode of communication between family
members and the deaf children, regardless of the communication modality to ensure pleasant
family communication interchanges and experiences. This could be taken into consideration by
people involved in deaf education, including service providers, educators, parents, and deaf
association etc
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Keywords
Families in Some Selected School of Addis Ababa