Ben's Story: A Deaf Child's Right to Sign

This book should be read by more than just families and friends of the deaf. -- Small PressIt's an engrossing, eloquent, and moving story. Despite the cultural differences, this book is relevant to the situation in the States. -- Deaf LifeBen's Story tells of the struggle of a young British couple to provide their son with sign language instruction. In England, as in many places in the United States, the accepted training for deaf children includes hearing aids and oral training, but specifically excludes sign language instruction. Both of Ben's parents are educators, and once they discovered the possibility of sign language for Ben, it was their strong desire that he be taught using Total Communication.The authorities at every level warned Lorraine and Ray Fletcher that if Ben learned sign language his speech development would be delayed. What they discovered -- much to their delight -- was that sign language, far from deterring the development of Ben's speech, actually stimulated it.Ben's Story recounts the Fletcher's fight with authorities to educate their son as they saw fit. All parents and professionals interested in understanding more about raising deaf and hard of hearing children will benefit from this inspiring story.Lorraine Fletcher is the author of 'Ben's Story: A Deaf Child's Right to Sign' with ISBN 9780930323479 and ISBN 0930323475.