Educate People about the Deaf!

From: deafunderstanding.com - Nov 5, 2003

Educate People about the Deaf

According to the National Center for Health Statistics of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 34 million Americans have a significant hearing loss; of these almost six million are profoundly deaf. The State of Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission estimates that in Illinois alone, over one million people have a hearing loss with over 249,000 of them living in Chicago. The Commission also estimates that five in every one thousand infants is born with a hearing loss that will affect cognition, communication, and educational development; of these, 90 percent are born into hearing families many of whom have had little or no experience with deafness.

In an effort to educate parents, teachers, health care officials, and the American public, Deaf Understanding has released a new book, by deaf author Blair LaCrosse, and interpreter, Michelle LaCrosse, entitled Silent Ears, Silent Heart—A deaf man’s journey through two worlds. Blair LaCrosse is a deaf person who was born into a hearing family. He has experienced firsthand the challenges of trying to communicate, understand, and succeed in a hearing world. Michelle LaCrosse has been a sign language interpreter for more than twenty years and has been made aware of the hardships that the deaf face in medical, legal, and financial settings. Through their personal experiences, as well as the experiences of the many deaf individuals who have touched their lives over the years, Silent Ears, Silent Heart was conceived, drew nourishment, and incubated, until it finally broke free, demanding to be presented.

In an effort to foster an understanding between the Deaf and hearing communities, the authors will be present at the Deaf Worldwide Expo to be held on Saturday, November 8 from 10 AM to 6 PM at Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 East Main Street, St. Charles, Illinois.

If you are unable to attend the Expo, please visit our web site at http://www.deafunderstanding.com