www.deafchildren.org
confidence as Talitha’s mum. I told the professional people involved that I had made a decision to use sign language with Talitha. I received opposition to this, some of which I felt was unprofessional and abusive. However I knew deep in my heart I was doing the right thing so was able to step back from them and embrace motherhood in a way that I felt was right… The flip side of the opposition was the deaf community, here in New Zealand, where I found many people who were incredibly supportive. They treated Talitha as their own and totally accepted me, my husband, and our four hearing children into their lives. After your talk at the conference, I knew Talitha did not have a disability. I did not see her as a child who needed “fixing.” I felt privileged to have a deaf child. I learned to love and admire her language and culture. I was fascinated to watch her growing up in a hearing family yet develop as a deaf person. I leaned and relied on deaf people as I knew they could give Talitha something I couldn’t. I leaned and relied on them also to take me into the language, culture, and world of a deaf person. It
was not long before Talitha was doing this as well. Talitha is now 24 years old. She is a bright exceptional person. Now a mother herself, she is studying to be a teacher of deaf students. She tutors sign language [learners] and does wonderful work in this country for deaf people. She is a prolific reader and extraordinary writer. She has close ties with her siblings, all of whom became fluent signers when they were young. I believe I am extremely blessed to have a deaf daughter. It has been a wonderful journey and continues to be so. I am forever grateful for the close bond we have and continue to enjoy - I truly am blessed among women. Nancy, thank you for sharing your story all those years ago. When times have been tough dealing with professionals, or when I have felt alone, I have remembered your story, believing that all would be well, and it surely is. I am forever thankful to be Talitha’s mum and I know our whole family would say the same. Kind regards, Alison Redden
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the 2011 ASDC Conference Maryland School for the Deaf June 22-26, 2011
Scholarship and registration forms on pages 8-15, or visit www.deafchildren.org. 5