Parenting Deafblind Easier
About: Is it any easier to raise deafblind children today compared to Helen Keller? Compared to a decade ago?Liz and George: I thing the technology of hearing aids and cochlear implants definitely gives deafblind children more access to their environment.
But we don't have an Annie Sullivan, someone willing to devote her entire life to a deafblind person. I don't know that we'll find three special people like Ms. Sullivan in this day and age. Helen Keller's life proved that deafblind people can learn and contribute to society. That's made a huge difference in how the girls are educated. I think Helen Keller's success raised the bar. And that's a good thing.
Need for Intervenors
The Hookers are seeking funds to pay for intervenors for their children. What is an intervenor? According to the Hookers' website at Not By Sight Fund, it means someone like Annie Sullivan, who worked with the young Helen Keller. The double whammy of deafness and blindness is that developing adequate language is dependent on the help of an intervenor. Deafblind children must be taught how to do everything.Update: On February 28, 2007, the Hookers were featured on the Dr. Phil show. Towards the end of the program, Dr. Phil surprised them with the news that an intervenor is going to work with the children for two years. Fundraising is still necessary to cover intervenor help after that.
In February 2008, Reader's Digest had an online feature article, "Hope for Deaf-Blind Triplets -- Light in the Dark," that described life for the triplets at age seven.
