Final answer:
The question addresses challenges in deaf education and cultural acceptance, particularly regarding American Sign Language (ASL) as a mode of communication. Parents of deaf children face decisions about whether to immerse their children in deaf culture or mainstream education, and legislation can impact ASL acceptance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Dilemma in Deaf Education
Deaf culture in the United States encompasses its own language, schools, and customs. American Sign Language (ASL) is a crucial element of this culture, serving as the primary mode of communication among deaf individuals. It is a language with no verbal component, relying solely on visual signs and gestures. The values of deaf culture emphasize the importance of sign language and its traditions, rather than pursuing oral speech, lip-reading, or cochlear implant surgery for deaf children.
When parents have a child diagnosed with deafness, they face pivotal decisions regarding their child's education. Should they enroll the child in a mainstream school to learn oral communication, or in a school for deaf children where the child can learn ASL and be immersed in deaf culture? The decision can be influenced by several factors, including whether the parents are themselves deaf and their views on the importance of deaf culture.
English-only laws have been criticized by groups like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which argue that such legislation disregards the diversity of the nation and discriminates against non-English speakers, including those who use ASL. Such laws can have implications for deaf individuals, as they may limit the recognition and accommodation of ASL, potentially hindering their full acceptance within society. Indeed, students who rely solely on visual communication, such as those on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or those who are deaf, may find participation in school challenging due to a lack of understanding of their needs by their peers and even the educational system.