Congenital Harmony

American Sign Language (ASL) is a language utilized for more than just the deaf in the new millennia. ASL is a language that originated for the deaf in 1814. Today this language has also explored by those families with children who are diagnosed with aphagia or commonly known as non-verbal.  Aphagia is broken down to 8 different clinical categories, so families with any category of the aphagia diagnosis are determined to find options. ASL provides one.

               As a fresh widow, desperate to communicate with my soon to be two year old. I purchase a product that provides, education, music, fun, play, and language. My daughter and I bonded over the fun we shared during these learning lessons even when she remained not expressive at that time.

               Fast forward to IEP time. For those who are unaware. IEP is an Individual Educational Plan that is a detailed plan of action to assist with your child’s learning. But don’t let me fool you by the over-simplification. You must advocate with a capitol A in that meeting. No one knows your child like you do. The professionals may have 3 hours a week with your child, but you have weekends, sleepless nights, years beforehand, experience for what has/has not worked from the requests of previous professionals. You have withstood the tantrums, recessions, and tears over all the changes forced by the degreed personnel who are never there to comfort your child, only complete their duty.

               Writing this gets me all fired up. Maybe that is why, this last IEP was dropped on me via a surprise attack. The school system thought they would catch me off guard. However, as many of you, I know my child’s diagnosis and playbook better than they know the route they drive to and from work to educate my child.

               When I was asked if English was my daughters first language. I responded with no. I was hit with major resistance! They refused to put ASL as her first language, merely offered an interpreter. Furthering the declination with statements that ASL is only a variation of English and will not be continued as part of her education due to they do not feel it is worthy of her IEP.

               As a mother, I have the right to teach my child any language I chose. Many countries teach children multiple languages as it is mandated. But here, in my state, I am told that all the effort I have put into communicating with my child has been “worthless” and it was exclaimed that she is in need of a regular curriculum to excel. I intend to fight this, but for now, as I was bamboozled, I have to go with it. In the meantime, I must prepare for yet another regression. I pray this is a warning for others in the same situation, be prepared to fight for your choices and rights for you and your child.