VIDBE-Q
Volume 62 Issue 1
referring to the group who have attempted/are attempting to qualify or the greater poll of all who are identified
as deaf?
Another area worth examining further within this data is that there is often mention of communication,
word recognition and language development. At times, it is specified that spoken language is being referred
to yet other times it does not specify. With the use of American Sign Language and other signed modes of
communication amongst these populations, I think it is worth specifying throughout. When tests of "word
recognition" are referenced, is it spoken, written or signed? One may have abilities in one category over
another but as someone who speaks and signs, I want to know more specifics when I read those statements.
Later in the chapter it mentions ability to communicate but does not specify if it is being measured aurally or
communication in general. Are these tests conducted in a manner that examines all types/modes of
communication or just that of spoken communication? When "limited language ability" in deaf children is
mentioned on page 222, is it limited spoken language or all language? Are there IQ tests or other assessment
tools that incorporate the use of signed modes where appropriate? Not in an effort to push the use of these
modes, I think it can help the argument to show that all options have been examined or even to mention that
it is an area that has not yet been examined.
Aside from the questions the chapter brought up for me, the authors have clearly considered a multitude
of areas that need to be considered by professionals working with these populations that seemingly have not
been considered previously. The authors push professionals not to look at conditions in isolation but to
consider their interrelatedness as they play out and as various forms of treatment are considered. This serves
them not only in terms of the chapter but also in terms of a greater approach to the body and its conditions,
which, in my opinion can only be a positive move for medicine. This may challenge other professionals to
consider how other conditions may relate and how considering this with various treatment of conditions may
have a similar impact.
I realize that this journal may have a specific following but I can't help but want to know more about the
correlation between the hearing loss and other cognitive and developmental disabilities. As we know
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