It is not a surprise that a centuries old controversy over how best to educate deaf and hard of hearing children provokes strong emotions on both sides of the issue. I recently waded into that controversy when I made a speech where I equated denying a deaf child the opportunity to learn to use his or her voice with child abuse. I called for a system where deaf children and their families have every available option for communication in today s world.
Sign language is a wonderful tool for communicating with and educating deaf children.
Deaf children should also have the right to learn to speak orally. They should not be denied technical assistance like cochlear implants and high-tech hearing aids. As Secretary of the department that governs those schools, I intend to put an end to the practice. ASL is a wonderful communication tool, but ASL must not be used to deny a deaf child the opportunity to learn to speak orally. Voice is an excellent way to communicate with the hearing world.