MDC Shows Support At MSU Rally

Transcript:

Hello everyone, I am Freida Morrison. There is 4 generation of Deaf in my family. I went through 3 different methods of Deaf Education when I was growing up.

• Self-contained classroom (that time period – all oral – no sign language program
• Mainstreaming without interpreter
• Residential school (MSD)

How did it affect us the deaf people?

(For example) I struggled to read and write English at the appropriate age. When I finally understood English a little better, I taught myself to understand English better by using my native language, ASL.

Research show Deaf children from Deaf family learn fast and succeed in adult life- Do you know why? It is because of ASL.

95% of Deaf children come from hearing parents- Only 5% of those hearing parents know sign language. This mean 90% of Deaf children have lifelong struggle learning. Do you know why? It is because of lack of exposure to sign language when growing up. Growing up without or minimal sign language often result in emotional /behavioral problems- Do you know why? Because of lifelong struggle-they become frustrated and angry when no one understands them. These issues can be easily prevented by using ASL at very early age.

I would like to comment about the letter from Dean, Dr. Carole Arnes. It amazes me she has no clue about the differences between EMU and MSU despite of her PhD. You can’t compare EMU with MSU when their philosophy is the opposite. EMU strongly believe in oral method while MSU train teachers based on sign language method.

We are currently in 21st century. It is sad that we, deaf community still have to re-educate her and other people about the differences between oral and sign language. I am asking you, the deaf community to look around and our state. Are you getting tired of having to re-educate them again and again? Do they really listen to us?

NO DEAF CHILD LEFT BEHIND! It is very important for our future deaf and hard of hearing children.

I HAVE A DREAM by MLK
We, the Deaf community have a dream…. all deaf and hearing communities respect each other and can communicate with no barrier! How to do that? Currently, we have a better method of education for our deaf and hard of hearing children by teaching ASL/English Bilingual Education. That way, we can be united in many ways.

On behalf of Michigan Deaf Community (MDC), we are in full support of continuing Deaf Education program and ASL classes here at MSU.

Thank you to Katie Hosmer, the rally host
Thank you to the crowd….show the support
Remember, we are not done…..keep fighting and be a watchdog.

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