Testimonial Tuesday

Today was our girls' end of the semester recital for dance. And yes- our DEAF daughters take dance. The irony I know. I can see dumbfounded looks now. But, shocking as it may be, little girls will be little girls even if they are Deaf. Can you imagine the amount of twirling, butterflies, and hair-bows that abound in this home of 3 (yes THREE) girls?

As I'm sitting and enjoying the show, I'm overwhelmed at the sacrifice our teacher has made to allow our girls to take dance this year. First of all, it took us over a year to find a teacher willing to work with Deaf students, able to communicate and understand their needs. We were VERY blessed to find a Deaf teacher of all things with a dance degree. And she volunteers her time completely for free. It truly was God's leading. 

Deaf teacher leading Katie and Ani in the recital

Ani strutting her stuff

Devotional time during dance

Mrs. Tamara our amazing Deaf dance teacher

Now however-  my middle daughter is very different personality. She much more rough and tumble. She tried ballet/tap for 2 months and declared it "awful". She wants gymnastics instead. But being Deaf doesn't allow that kind of flexibility. Every change is wrought with obstacles. I mean it took a year... a YEAR... to find a Deaf teacher to teach dance. And that was purely God leading. Now I'm charged as her mother with the struggle of finding a gymnastics place that either is willing to let us bring an interpreter (which slows down the class) or find a Deaf person who does gymnastics. I'd even accept a class that is willing to be small and the teacher willing to gesture if it means she gets to take gymnastics.

Ayrianna the monkey hanging on dad

 5 different gymnastic places were called. The answer- No we can't do any of those things.

Not ONE place willing to host for a Deaf child. Not one.

We live in an inaccessible world. There is always a lack of (qualified or otherwise) interpreters, lack of communication, lack of  inclusion, and worst of all lack of empathy.

Every day as a parent, it seems we fight for our Deaf kids rights. In the public school system or trying to get them into extracurricular activities, homeschool co-ops or camps. Who will interpret? Who will make sure your Deaf child is included? It seems almost like a never-ending struggle.

But we'll keep trying. Keep hoping, keep praying. Maybe someday access will be equal. It's a long fight. It's slow and often times painful. But it's one we MUST fight. For our children, for our friends. For future Deaf.

And I know most of all God will lead us. Until then, we take what we are given and find joy in the everyday trumphs.

Because today-