I am writing in response to an article that recently appeared in Greater Media Newspapers — “Sign Language Could Fill Graduation Requirement.”
The article quotes state Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini as saying that “850,000 residents throughout the state have some degree of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound. It (sign language) would greatly benefit those that are hearing impaired, as they would be able to communicate with a broader part of the community.”
In reality, the overwhelming majority of the “850,000” hearing impaired residents use spoken, not signed, language.
I am not against students learning American Sign Language (ASL) as a means for meeting the language requirement to graduate, but it is a misconception that there are many thousands with hearing loss in New Jersey who would benefit from sign language, since ASL is not English, not spoken, and not written.
I am a deaf person who acquired spoken language, not sign language, because I was given hearing aids in childhood and now use two cochlear implants to listen and speak.
Although I studied sign language at one point in my life, I am better off with hearing equipment in order to function in the broader community that does not use sign language.
Carol Granaldi
co-founder
Hearing Loss Association of New Jersey State Association
Cream Ridge