44: Inclusion in the Hearing Loss World

Finding out Kimball was hard of hearing was one of the hardest diagnoses to receive. It was totally unexpected, and we grieved the lifelong implications of it. In this episode, I share our journey with Kimball and his hearing loss, the controversial world we were thrown into, and the importance of following your child’s lead in determining what language(s) to give them. I also open up about the traumatizing and heartbreaking interactions with other parents of children with deafness because of our decision to give our son Listening Spoken Language instead of American Sign Language and talk about the need for more inclusion in the deaf community. It is time we pull together and support each other in our journeys, regardless of our differing opinions and choices on behalf of our child and family. This is a fantastic episode for all within this community, as well as the curious wanting a peek inside this unseen world. Links: Donate via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therarelifepodcast Ep. 5: A List of Diagnoses: https://therarelifepodcast.com/show-notes/ep-5-list-diagnoses-solo-episode Ep. 12: Language Development w/ Angie: https://therarelifepodcast.com/show-notes/ep-12-3-fun-ways-facilitate-language-development-w-hearing-specialist-angie Flintstones video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va1wrnsMve0 Join the Inclusive Parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/226590729019924 My story on All About Audiology podcast: https://allaboutaudiology.com/all-about-deaf-plus-and-rare-disorders-episode-41-with-madeline-cheney/