When Thomas Tranchin was one year old, his parents discovered he was profoundly deaf. His father, a filmmaker, produced this program (in video diary format), which originally aired on PBS. The program tells of a family's journey through a maze of emotional, educational, political and social factors as they face life-changing decisions. Includes interviews with family members, audiologists, and others. The "speech versus sign language" conflict is documented in detail. Oral, manual, and cued speech approaches are outlined and supplemented with viewpoints from a variety of sources as Tommy's parents struggle to find the best way for their child in this rare glimpse into the difficult choices faced by hearing parents of deaf children.
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Episode 7
32 minutes 51 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: DEAFfinitely Dynamic (Vol. 3)
Viewer Comments
Hershella A.(Chicago, IL)
September 13th, 2017 at 12:46 AM
Awesome. Helps students get a better understanding of hearing parents trying to decide the best method of communication with a deaf child.
AMY L. C.(PHILADELPHIA, PA)
March 31st, 2017 at 03:03 PM
This excellent documentary always leads to very animated, passionate discussions.
Darlene C.(North Potomac, MD)
December 28th, 2016 at 07:41 PM
My students researched what happen to the boy after the movie. They were motivated to learn more!
Jacqueline M.(Phoenix, AZ)
December 1st, 2015 at 02:05 PM
Great and one of my favorite video.
THERESE M.(ARDEN HILLS, MN)
November 16th, 2015 at 10:36 AM
I enjoyed the documentary. I thought though that the Mother was unrealistic with her expectations and was too concerned about who should have or could have been her son. Good example of what Parents think and feel about having a child who is deaf.
Awesome. Helps students get a better understanding of hearing parents trying to decide the best method of communication with a deaf child.
This excellent documentary always leads to very animated, passionate discussions.
My students researched what happen to the boy after the movie. They were motivated to learn more!
Great and one of my favorite video.
I enjoyed the documentary. I thought though that the Mother was unrealistic with her expectations and was too concerned about who should have or could have been her son. Good example of what Parents think and feel about having a child who is deaf.
Excellent movie for ASL 1