Deaf child

kmb_nrb2010

Has anyone had experience adopting a child who is deaf from another country? We found a child who is deaf and were wondering if we would be required to know sign language. If we feel led to move forward in bringing this child home, we would definitely learn American Sign Language, but I'm not sure how relevant that would be since he is from Russia.

Do you think the orphanage has employees who know sign language and communicate daily with him this way?

srmmm09

You can email the agency about him. They may be able to get more information on what his daily life is like - what signs they use, if any. As far as transitioning from Russian (or whatever type they use) to ASL, I doubt that would be too difficult. Children are brilliant.

kmb_nrb2010

I've e-mailed the organization and am waiting on a response. Was just anxious and curious to find out.

I read that Russian SL is similar to ASL, so that helps a lot. PLus, being 2 1/2 years old, I'm sure he would pick up on it very quickly.

Assembly_Reqd

*Lurking*

I would also contact your local school for the deaf and ask them if they have any early infant/toddler education programs. Our program has a couple of little girls who are completley deaf. One adopted from China and one from India. I know one set of parents came to our ASL classes even before they got their daughter. The school was very heplful to them and they also were able to connect with other AP's in their situation. Good Luck!

kmb_nrb2010

Assembly_Reqd:

*Lurking*

I would also contact your local school for the deaf and ask them if they have any early infant/toddler education programs. Our program has a couple of little girls who are completley deaf. One adopted from China and one from India. I know one set of parents came to our ASL classes even before they got their daughter. The school was very heplful to them and they also were able to connect with other AP's in their situation. Good Luck!

 

Thanks!

AquaJacks

*lurker* I am conversational in ASL and signed English. Sign language has distinct differences by country, some are closer to French, British, ASL. Alphabet signs using 2 hands vs one. However many signs in all systems are very natural, ie baby is signed like you are holding a baby. Others, derive from spellings, historical context, etc. Children have incredible language abilities. If you are willing to learn, you will succeed. Deaf culture is amazing. Try searching YouTube for songs in sign..it can be beautiful.

zazu13

I'm just a lurker on this board, but wanted to chime in. I am fluent in ASL and work as an interpreter and have a degree in Deaf Education. I know of several deaf children from other countries who were adopted (in the cases I know of the adoptive families already signed because they were interpreters or deaf themselves.) These kids did not have a signed language at all when they were brought home. It's unlikely that the child you're talking about will have been exposed to Russian sign language. In the experiences I'm aware of some had some gestures or home signs, but lacked any true form of communication. They were very behind in any sort of language development and while they do pick up language quickly, making up for "lost time" is hard to do. One of the kids I know is now an adult and still has language delays & anomalies that he has not overcome. (Adopted at age 4.)

I commend you for being willing to learn ASL. Becoming conversationally fluent is not too hard if you put a lot of effort into it. Becoming a fluent language model for your child will take years. If you do decide to pursue this, find out what options you have in your state for deaf mentors, early intervention, Pre-K programs, etc. Depending on the degree/type of hearing loss amplification may be an option such as hearing aids or a cochlear implant. Speech therapy works for some. Not at all for others. There's a lot to think about. This is a life-long commitment. Being deaf is not like other disabilities because it changes the way you communicate. Communication is critical for education, social interaction, identity, and cultural assimilation. 

 

I'm not suggesting you aren't up to the task, but wanted to give you a little more to think about. Communicating with a deaf toddler is easy, but they will likely learn ASL faster than you if put in a signing environment (school)  and you will have to work to keep up with them as they progress. I've talked with other parents who've learned ASL after having a deaf child and they expressed frustration at not being able to communicate as well as they'd like. Or the stay-at-home parent becomes more fluent than the working parent and ends up interpreting for the other parent.

There's so much to think about. There is way more than I can share in a post and I've already rambled long enough. Best of luck in whatever you decide. You can do this, but take the time to meet other parents of deaf children to find out what raising a deaf child will be like before making your decision.