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Recently, my husband and I discussed adopting a child. Since I have a
hearing loss, we are considering adopting a deaf or hard of hearing child.
There are many web sites to assist families with deaf adoptions. Support
groups and encouraging stories of people who have had successful adoptions
are also available. Below are several things to consider before beginning
the adoption process.
AGE
As a first choice, many families often seek out newborns for adoption. If
you are specifically looking for an adoptive child with hearing loss, keep
in mind that there are many older children in need of a good family.
NATURE OF THE HEARING LOSS
Understand what type of hearing loss the child has. Some children have
only a mild hearing loss while others have a more severe loss or may even
be completely deaf. Learn as much about the child's hearing history as
possible. Does the child have a progressive loss or a stable loss? Is the
loss sensorineural or conductive? What type of assistive equipment does
the child currently use? Is it adequate? Does the equipment need to be
upgraded or supplemented?
COMMUNICATION MODE
Often, the older children are able to communicate through sign language,
by talking or a combination of both. Do you know sign language? If not,
are you able to make a commitment to learn? If the child is very young and
cannot speak yet, can you help the child obtain the right education and
therapy to learn how to talk?
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
While all children require the basic necessities of food, clothing and
shelter, children with hearing loss may also require assistive devices,
therapy, special education, additional doctor's appointments and more. Be
sure to research this beforehand and find alternative sources of funding
if you require financial assistance.
PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE ADOPTION
Adoption rules and procedures vary from state to state. Expenses also
vary. In some cases, when you adopt a child with special needs, adoption
fees are very low and often the fee is reimbursed when the adoption is
finalized. Check the laws in your state to determine which adoption method
is best for you. To review state laws online, visit this site:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/topics/Table_Adoption.htm
DOMESTIC VS. FOREIGN ADOPTION
Whether to adopt within the United States or outside of the U.S. is
another important consideration. You can review lists of available
children for both domestic and foreign adoptions. A brief biographical
history is usually included.
Adopting a child can be a very rewarding experience. Like any other child,
deaf and hard of hearing children need loving homes and families who are
prepared to make the commitment necessary to offer them a good life. Do
your research and keep these considerations in mind before you enter the
adoption process.
FURTHER RESEARCH
The Deaf Adoption News Service (DANS) -
http://www.erols.com/berke/deafchildren.html
About.com Deafness Site's Adoption Section -
http://www.deafness.about.com/cs/adoption/
Special Needs Adoption -
http://adoption.about.com/cs/specialneeds/
Comprehensive adoption sites:
http://www.adoption.com
http://www.adopting.org/
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Gena Jorgensen is an aspiring novelist currently residing in Florida. She
is the host of the HearingExchange Chat for Adults with Hearing Aids on
Tuesdays at 9pm Eastern Time.
This is her first contributing article for
http://www.HearingExchange.com,
a community web site for people with hearing loss, parents and
professionals. |
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© Copyright Gena Jorgensen, 2002. All rights reserved. |
