Just Deaf

Schuurman family

Anna and Wicher Schuurman have a hearing impaired son, Fabian.

Experiences of this family

"With all of that counseling we did miss insights into the whole world behind deafness and sign language."

"Some deaf children think it's something to grow out of."

"It was a blessing in disguise, since we wanted to learn a new language anyway, and we enjoy it."

"The realization really hit us: we're responsible for this now."

"The best response is when people ask: could we join you for one of those sign language classes?"

"We can tell friends and family something about his development, but his ears won't change."

"I really wonder how he's going to experience it later on."

"I do think signing at home is going to be important to Fabian."

"When you run into a deaf person you're kind of scared of showing off what you can do."

"Music with signs is very poetic."

"I sing Fabian a lullaby using signs, and I noticed that helped me learn signs as well."

"We're religious, and I immediately noticed this having an effect on my faith."

"I'd definitely recommend other parents to get their own networks involved in the process."

"At first, very small things could make me incredibly sad."

"Will he be able to enjoy music?"

"You can babble with your hands as well"

"What can I do now?"

"His hearing loss quickly became less important."

"Five days after his birth he was already getting hearing tests done."