The education of the deaf in Canada: An update.

As a child of deaf adults (CODA), this article traces my journey in the field of psychology and deafness, and points the way to developing a more culturally and socially responsive psychology that will be fully inclusive for deaf people. My lived experience as a CODA and the long-standing tension between the scientific, clinical, and applied aspects of psychology are described in detail. I document the early misguided conceptions about deafness which permeated my own career path involving psychology, research, teaching, administration, and advocacy. A major focus of this article is with the enduring harm that has been caused by the oral–manual debate concerning the role of hearing, speech, and sign language in the education of deaf children. I urge psychologists to contribute to the resolution of this destructive controversy. From a scientific and clinical point of view, psychologists are uniquely qualified to gather evidence and apply best practice concerning the role of various communication modalities during the early development of deaf children. In the context of equity, diversity, and inclusion and recent human rights legislation, it is of paramount importance to recruit and support students, faculty, and professionals who are themselves Deaf. This will include a commitment to intersectionality that will ensure that Deaf persons who identify with diverse ethnic groups and identities are well represented.

Section: Terminologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…I have long been an advocate both professionally and personally for the recognition of sign language as a natural human language (Hicks & Bishop, 2012;J. C. MacDougall, 1971J. C. MacDougall, , 1979J.…”

Section: Terminologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Dialogue with the deaf: The future role of psychology.

MacDougall¹

2022

“…In three previous articles that have appeared in Canadian Psychology (MacDougall, 1971, 1979, 1991), I reviewed current developments in the field of deafness from a psychological perspective. I noted that while sign language (American Sign Language, ASL ) has finally been recognized as a “legitimate” language (Petitto, 2000), the always controversial cochlear implant continues to raise new hope for a “cure” for deafness (Moores, 2001).…”

Section: Background On Deafnessmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Dans trois articles parus dans Psychologie canadienne (MacDougall, 1971, 1979, 1991), j'ai examiné les faits nouveaux dans le domaine de la surdité d'un point de vue psychologique. La situation des personnes sourdes au Canada (y compris l'expérience des personnes sourdes de langue française vivant au Québec) a suivi d'assez près, de manière générale, l'exemple américain.…”

unclassified

Access to justice for deaf Inuit in Nunavut: The role of "Inuit sign language."

MacDougall

2001

Self Cite

This paper presents a personal perspective on the issue of access to justice (in the context of die Canadian Charter of Rights mad Freedoms) for die deaf Inuit population of Canada's uewest Territory -Nunavut. My experience in assessing a deaf Inuk in Baker Lake R v. Suwarak (1999) who apparently had no known language, followed ml earlier Nova Scotia case R v. Roy (1994) which involved a deaf nlan who could not hear, speak or use sign language. In both Roy and Suwarak aud I concluded that a trial could not proceed, but in the case of Suwarak, die possibility was raised that an indigenous form of sign language, wtfich I tentatively termed "hnfit Sign Langamge" was being used. The results of a preliminary study of the status of signed languages in Ntmavm based on field visits and interactions with deal" people and their families in three communities, Iqahfit, Pangalirtung, and Rankin hflet is described. The possibility that "hntit Sign Language" exists is discussed within the fi'amework of various theories of lmiguage development mid also within the context of earlier literature which indicates that mm W Aboriginal communities had (and possibly still have) flourishing sigaaed languages. Finally, the need for increased research by psychologists on the complex lingafistic environment of deaf persons in Nunavut is emphasized. BACKGROUND ON DEAFNESSIn three previous articles that have appeared in Canad/an Psychology (MacDougaU, 1971(MacDougaU, , 1979(MacDougaU, , 1991, I reviewed current developments in the field of deafness from a psychological perspective. I noted that while sign lan-Canadian Psychology/Psychologie canadienne, 42:1 BACK ON THE TUNDRA We were now wondering if our natuualistic approach had

“…Rather, it is an indication that deaf individuals, because of auditory and environmental deprivation, lack specific skills in a particular language. It is important, in this context, not to reinforce the long-standing misunderstanding of the relationship between expressive communication of any form and underlying linguistic or cognitive competence (Brown, 1986; MacDougall, 1979; Savage, Evans & Savage, 1981).…”

Section: Literacy and The Deafmentioning

confidence: 99%

Current issues in deafness: A psychological perspective.

MacDougall

1991

Self Cite

This paper reviews current issues in deafness from a psychological perspective. The demands of the Canadian deaf community as reflected in popular media accounts are considered in light of the history of deafness and contemporary research trends. Emphasis is on the strong desire of members of the deaf community to participate in decisions which affect their future. Issues such as the use of American Sign Language (ASL), literacy, cochlear implants, the role of the media, mental health and the status of post-secondary education programs are discussed. For each issue the role of research in psychology is outlined. Finally, the need for increased effort in research and training and greater cooperation between all levels of government are stressed.