Gallaudet University Press Publishes "How To" Book on Cochlear Implants
By Kay Schriner (kays@uark.edu)
In what is sure to be a controversial move, Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. has published a "how to" book for parents considering having cochlear implants implanted in their deaf children.
Cochlear implants are a lightning-rod issue for the Deaf community, many of whom consider the implants a form of oppression by the hearing world. Many Deaf individuals believe that deafness is not a disability; they view the Deaf community as a cultural minority group whose use of sign language should be accepted by those who hear. Cochlear implants are seen by some to threaten the existence of Deaf culture by offering parents and deaf persons the possibility of joining the hearing world.
Gallaudet University is a well-known public American university devoted to providing a high-quality education to deaf students. In March 1988, Gallaudet students mounted a protest to the school's plans to hire a hearing individual to replace its outgoing president. The Deaf President Now! protest was covered by media around the world and after six tumultuous days, resulted in the appointment of I. King Jordan, Gallaudet's first deaf president.
The Deaf President Now! protest is described in a fine book by John D.Christiansen and Sharon M. Barnartt, entitled
Deaf President Now! The 1988 Revolution at Gallaudet University. It is also published by Gallaudet University Press.
Gallaudet University is seen by many as a home for the Deaf community. It has hosted two Deafway events, which is a comprehensive international celebration of Deaf culture. (The September-October issue of Disability World covered this extraordinary event.)
The new book on cochlear implants, authored by Patricia M. Chute and Mary Ellen Nevins, includes information on implant device options, facilities where implants can be obtained, and a complete description of the surgical procedure involved.
The name of the book is
The Parents' Guide to Cochlear Implants. It is available from Gallaudet University at
gupress.gallaudet.edu.
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