It was sometime early in 1999. We had recently learned of Owen’s hearing loss and were becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the direction the hospital was taking us–which was straight toward the cochlear implant. Sensing our uneasiness, Owen’s audiologist referred us… Continue Reading
Within months after Owen was born, I was told he was deaf. Inside, I shrugged. “Oh well,” I thought. He almost hadn’t been born. He almost hadn’t lived. He almost didn’t come home from the hospital at all. Deafness didn’t… Continue Reading
Time to practice… I hold up a child’s book, something large with rigid pages and bright pictures. I sign the actions to Owen, book tucked under my chin, shifting and adjusting as I move. Continue Reading
Talking and hearing. Two things most of us, including myself, can do without any props or devices. Continue Reading
Following is the speech/presentation I wrote and delivered for the Children’s Treatment Network – a new virtual therapy center for children with disabilities for York Region (the region north of Toronto). Continue Reading
As I continue to contemplate Owen’s capacity for choice-making (and his communication partners’ capacities for offering choices), I have not ruled out other options for communication. Continue Reading
Regarding my last post, a comment from my dad, SKJ. Continue Reading
Owen had his communications assessment meeting yesterday, at Bloorview Kids Rehab, and it was fascinating. It will likely take several posts to distill it all – but I’ll start with the most compelling stuff. Continue Reading
A couple of incidents over the past couple of days that make me realize just how imperfect the idea of a ‘communication system’ is… Continue Reading
Decision is made: time to develop a proper home-based curriculum, and withdraw Owen from school once the programming and support are in place. Continue Reading
