Raising a Deaf Child - My Parents Share How They Found Out I Was Deaf & How They Raised Me

[@youmeteacofeee]

I love what the dad said about his daughter being his best teacher, made me tearful.

[@ayanabenjamin376]

It's a warm feeling to see the parents staying together as a team.

[@thenormallife1138]

I about started crying when your mom answered the hardest part of raising a deaf child. I know its true. My eldest isn't deaf but he has other disabilities and I wish all the time I could take them away so he never suffers anything

[@Gbellamom]

From cerebral palsy to this beautiful, sweet and smart lady that teaches ASL like nobody on youtube 😊😊👍❤️ I love your story Ashley! So proud of you ❤️

[@spillingvoid1]

i cant press the like button enough.

[@gloriaklopping8713]

I didn't think she has cerebral palsy!! ? just that she is DEAF

[@j.johnson7296]

@@gloriaklopping8713 She doesn't. As I understood it, they thought that at first, but then she ended developing typically, it was just her hearing that didn't.

[@gloriaklopping8713]

@@j.johnson7296 that is right! they thought she had it! thanks

[@shaikirshad2670]

Hai

[@robertbarrett777]

You are a gift from God as you are. My wife and I are both Deaf too. We both had the same frustrations of our parents trying to raise us as if we were hearing and not Deaf. Of course that didn’t work and caused more problems for us as kids because of the isolation of no one around us signing and the parents thought everything is okay. It worked out okay as we finally meet Deaf people and just immersed ourself completely in the Deaf world and culture. We felt normal finally.

[@David-gj9qr]

god? Why did god make her deaf? Sure she is a good person so she is a gift but not from god. Why would god give anyone a disability?

[@beckalee1743]

@@reflexionesdelabiblia6711 so you’re invalidating a Deaf person’s experience of being isolated from everyone around them because of an actual language barrier to you having no friends as a kid just because you moved a lot????? Think you missed the message, try again.

[@beckalee1743]

@@reflexionesdelabiblia6711 i’m coming back again because your comment is so ridiculous oh my god. How and why would a deaf child tell other *hearing* children to LEARN sign so they can be talked to???? You literal carrot

[@reflexionesdelabiblia6711]

@@beckalee1743 you’re so hateful. All I said was that they could encourage others to learn their language. More people should learn sign language. It’s a beautiful language and opens up so many doors to communications and friendships in ways not knowing sign couldn’t when knowing dead people. Man alive are you hateful.

[@anonymousperson4363]

@@David-gj9qr A gift of giving us someone that shares her experiences, that the deaf can learn from. The hearing can also learn from.

[@tonivega6656]

Hey Ashley, I’m so glad you finally got around to doing this. I’m a mom to a deaf 8 year old and really identify with your parents. When your mom was talking about how you wouldn’t hold your head up and how you wouldn’t crawl I wanted to cry. That was Isabella. The only difference was that I found our right at birth something was wrong with her hearing. But your parents were lucky that they weren’t in this day and age with so much information. At times having so much to choose from confuses you. There are still a lot of politics when it comes to deaf education. It took us a long time to reach where we are now. My 8 year old attends a mainstream program that provides a teacher of the deaf, interpreters, and other kids who all sign. We are truly blessed. Now we are working on getting an interpreter so she can understand when we go to church. Thank you for being so awesome! I look forward to seeing more content from you. 🤟🏻

[@Julibeansreads]

This is so heartwarming

[@signedwithheart]

Thanks, Julia!! :) Glad you enjoyed the interview!! Thanks for watching!!

[@aronlelenora9572]

❤❤❤❤

[@candytoocool]

I love how you and your family sign. I'm still learning ASL and you all sign at the perfect speed for me to understand. It's still conversational but clear.

[@bear360]

This family is a great example of what is missing in many families nowadays. Its good to see this.

[@MessiahYHWH]

You have a beautiful family reflecting Gods image through faith. May God richly bless you all.

[@hairqueen1183]

Thank you so much for this! We just found out our baby is deaf and your parents reaction was just the same as ours. When your mom said she wish she could trade places’, that made me cry! That’s how I feel! Thank you for this video

[@reflexionesdelabiblia6711]

God gave us hands and that is a blessing. There is still communication. There is still a way . I am glad I have vision only because of contacts. My vision is bad... I have lived and worked with the deaf...I know a deaf man near by. They live their lives well and have it easier than completely blind and vision impaired non correctible... Count your blessings.

[@erinmackenzieee]

Thank you so much for sharing this story , I have been inspired to become an interpreter and adopt deaf and mute children when I grow up ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@signedwithheart]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch the interview video!! :) Aw, that's sweet that you're considering adopting deaf children someday!!

[@cindynevins1753]

Erin, lovely you want to adopt. FYI,the term used is 'Deaf' vs "deaf and mute" The term 'mute' is no longer used,

[@scottedwards-gildersleeve8390]

But if you were hearing but unable to speak would you not be mute? Or is there a different term used these days? I thought what she was meaning was deaf children and/or mute children as well.@@cindynevins1753

[@hannahstrait1910]

scott edwards-gildersleeve The term would be “nonverbal” :)

[@melz6625]

scott edwards-gildersleeve Signing is speaking just with your hands. Mute means not speaking. Saying they're mute means devaluing sign language as an equal language and is therefore discriminating. Please refrain from saying mute. If you want to distinguish between the too the correct term is oral vs non-oral speaking.

[@ernieasl2245]

Just finished watching this. Was so amazing! I think all hearing parents of Deaf children should watch it. Now we need someone to interview you on what it’s like growing up in a hearing family. 😁👍🏼

[@Patrish285]

Your family is beautiful. You can see how much your parents love you (and how much you love them). Truly inspiring 💙

[@danegunther6621]

What a story of love.

[@thathealthyfamily]

This video had me in tears. Especially the part where you are sharing with your parents about how much you are glad that they are your parents… and their response about loving you so much and how they will would choose you every time if given the chance to choose a daughter out of a billion girls. - And the way they talk about how their faith got them through the challenging times… knowing that the Lord was walking them through it all… Just so incredibly encouraging. -- We found out last year that our preschooler is profoundly deaf and we have been working so hard to learn ASL and to teach her so that we can have a deep loving relationship with her. God is definitely sustaining us. It’s so scary not knowing how much she understands and not being able to predict what her future holds. I fear that she won’t know how much we love her and that we won’t be able to do enough for her as parents because we are so new to being the parents of a deaf child. But seeing this video has given me so much hope! Thank you for sharing your story!

[@michaelberg5389]

Your dad is such a sweetheart I can’t. He reminds me so much of mine

[@marshmellowlover146]

her laugh is absolutely adorable!!!

[@imskimmy]

Wow. Seriously praise God for your and your family's story and journey. Amazing that He provided a way and continues to cover you all with His Grace and favor! God is Good!

[@Gbellamom]

Your parents are very good persons 😢😢 you are lucky to have them still around 🙏 I am so into learning ASL ❤️ I won’t stop until I can have a decent conversation with a deaf person, this is now an inclusive world, we have to make everybody feel part of it😊❤️👍

[@lightbrights1]

Thank you so much for sharing such an intimate story! We went through similar challenges when our son was born. The pediatrician told us our son would be partially deaf and had facial deformities, they said he would have speech problems the rest of his life. God had other plans! Our son functioned normally, was in a rock band that won many awards and he met his future wife in the process. He did suffer much in middle school and high school because of his deficiency and his looks. It is sad that kids can be so cruel! But our faith and had amazing help along the way- that supported us. We serve a mighty God and miracles come in many different ways. We are overcomers. Bless you for sharing your heartfelt story. YOU ARE ALL INSPIRATIONAL.

[@jillgodfrey8445]

Your mom is soo pretty, and I noticed she also has a accent, does she speak another language ?

[@sailorzee]

Jill godfrey I think Spanish because her sister mentioned learning Spanish in another video

[@sapphire6107]

I noticed it too. I even thought she might be from the Philippines 🇵🇭 but maybe not.

[@trackclubbabe]

she is mexican ;-)

[@latina305mami]

She has like a Puerto Rican accent

[@thomasstafford9324]

Jill godfrey I'm guessing Tagalog.

[@unicornmadness6286]

Ashley your parents are very patient you can just tell glad you had such amazing support growing up, love your channel. ❤

[@BVpinkninja]

The dad being so happy when he said he cut the cord was so cute !

[@volleybrawl1]

2:53 😅 and that laugh from Ashley is so great

[@utuberme1]

Your parents are so wise. They are absolutely right about young children needing parents more than class mates or friends.

[@robruns262]

Ashley I loved this video and thank you for taking the time to not only make it but caption it. It is very much appreciated. I have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears and have worn hearing aids since I was 6 years old. I also went to regular schools but never learned sign language. I am learning now through your channel and school. Anyways, I really think that this shows that God never gives us anything we can’t handle. He gave you the perfect parents/family to raise you into the amazing person you are now. God bless and Merry Christmas!!

[@crossfitjohnathan9032]

I love that you give God the glory this is an amazing life story thank you for sharing i’m going to be taking American sign language in the fall and I’m really excited your videos have help me learn some of the basic things

[@jackiec9568]

I don't know how I came upon your videos but God knows everything and He knew I needed to see how great He is. We had to see our little boy leave this earth almost a year ago. He was only 16 months all. When your mom said "we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength"....nothing more true than that. Family is the most important thing and even not knowing you and your family personaly, I feel so happy to see you guys as a strong united family full of love. Thank you for your videos. They have lifted my spirits and blessed my live. God bless.

[@roedoresdeoliveira]

I love seeing parents learn a totally different language for their children, to me it shows how much they love and are willing to adapt and change for their child

[@iamkayem]

You've got the BEST PARENTS!!! Just watching how patient and understanding your mother is, and how loving and very involved in ASL your father is, it warms my heart, and it encourages me to learn ASL further. Thank you so much for this interview, I believe it is very educational for so many young people out there!

[@bengraham9132]

It's key to have parents. If one is no longer there, having one parent is better than no parents. I appreciate your videos and your continuations of teaching people the life of a person.

[@clairedelune4389]

This was just so emotional, I don't know anybody that is deaf. I would like to learn sign language and one day be able to make friends within the deaf communicate or help someone. God Bless your family.

[@a.wheeler7731]

A lot of water came out of my face on this video, I really love and appreciate this

[@SkySpiral8]

Your dad fingerspells like a BOSS! #goals As a beginner in ASL I love watching your videos!

[@Luna-ft8yh]

It's so cool that your mum is signing at a pace I can actually understand. Good for learning 😇

[@MBlackBonnet]

@10:50 I just burst into tears. What amazing wonderful parents you have. I love everything about you. thank you for posting these.

[@teamjesus2661]

WoW! I love these videos with your parents. This was so wholesome and sweet! I love how humble you and your parents are and most of all the love for God you guys have and the love for each other!! Well done!! God bless you guys and keep up the good work!

[@melbass422]

It’s wonderful to see how much your parents love you! You are very blessed with parents who worked hard to learn to communicate with you and give you what they felt was best. I know this story can be rare sometimes in the deaf community. 😊

[@achristiangamer2000]

This was humbling for me to watch. To hear your parent and the love they have for you. It brings me great joy when I see people who know Christ. Peace and Love to you and your parents from New Zealand.

[@campaignafrica]

Thank you Ashley. My son is 8 and half months and has failed all his screening tests since birth, I will take him for ASSR/ABR testing to determine the extent of his hearing loss. Your interview with your parents helps with my anxiety, because like your parents we want the best for our children. Thank you and all the best.

[@unicornmadness6286]

Holy mackerel man I didn't think this video would make me cry, what's wrong with me? Great family Ashley thank you for sharing them on your platform and yourself. ❤

[@JaneDoe-ci3gj]

I love how proud your parents are of you😊

[@mariasadlier1518]

Ashley you are soooo amazing and mom & dad there is no words to describe the love you both have for your family.

[@JW-my7ts]

Wow!! Your parents is very sweet, caring and loves.

[@Shieldmaiden600]

I think your family is lovely. I really appreciate their faith,thank you for sharing !

[@blackqplaylists6751]

So sweet. They are such amazing parents. They work as a team.. They seem so smart.. Not immature type of adults. I love your family.

[@KhaoulaZoldyeck]

I watched the whole video and although it was almost 40 minutes time flew by! Thank you so for making this great video and thanks to your parents for sharing their experience and their thoughts. They raised a great child and turned it into a wonderful woman . I’m happy to have learned today sign language.. just a few words but it is all thanks to you ❤️

[@jomariebenitez367]

I came across this video the day after my son was diagnosed with profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and it was a god sent. It made me feel so good to know I related to your mom and how she felt as a mother and protector. Thank you for sharing and thank you for your amazing videos. They have been helping me learn sign language. God bless you and your family

[@elsetexter7904]

Lovely; I so want to give the three of you a hug for this

[@charisamartin2152]

I cried so much at this video. Thank you Ashley, and parents for sharing your story. God is faithful-- and I see Him all over your story!!! 😍❤️

[@rakeshkharta21]

I can't communicate this much clear even with words and they are communicating without words.

[@melz6625]

Sign language is a language. They are communicating with words. Just not orally but through signing.

[@kchanelle3]

So amazed at where life has taken you... and I'm grateful we had parents that did their best & loved you so well to give you the best chance at a wonderful life!

[@LuckyElement7]

Thank you for sharing these interviews! My son is hard of hearing with cochlear implants and deaf without, and we are leaning to sign, but it's rare for me to find conversational sign videos that I can follow along with! And a story that I can identify with very well too! It's very helpful. Thanks again!

[@wdw28ears]

This was SO interesting. Your parents are just awesome!

[@mtcampbell1]

This is such a great story. Thank you so much for sharing. I can only imagine how tough it must have been being the only deaf child in school. That was probably very lonely. It seems like your family was there for you. Thank you again for sharing.

[@rbm888]

Family love is the best. Those are some sweet loving parents.

[@heatherhartman3129]

I’m so glad you had a great family and you were also patient with them too so it worked out perfectly.

[@nataliaruiz3661]

Dont know how i came across with this channel but glad i did. Im a spanish and im learning spanish sign language. Im just in my 4th month but i absolutly love it. Dont know any deaf person beside my teacher. LOVE your family they are great.

[@nomam7358]

Beautiful caring parents, u r blessed. 🙏🏽

[@francespicciallo9690]

I’m so glad I found this channel!!!! I’m enjoying watching and learning!!!

[@aislinggaffney7263]

Can't wait to sit down and watch the whole thing! You put so much work and effort into this! Thank you! 💗

[@signedwithheart]

Thanks for that

[@angielove417]

What a wonderful interview! Your parents are are clearly very supportive and loving. 💕

[@aliceshaw2912]

Thank you for your openness about raising a deaf child. I have shared this with my daughter who has a deaf son, my grandson. Praise God for your testimony!

[@daljotsingh4918]

25:14 I had tears during that part. May God be always with you and your family 🙂.

[@naraendrareddy273]

You can actually talk as well! I could understand what you were talking without reading the captions. You are actually blessed! Nothing shall stop you from achieving what you want! Lots of love to you Ma!

[@plumerialove1483]

Your mom and dad sign so well!!

[@jessicaculbert9631]

Wow this is so beautiful, God is SO good! And you are an amazing young woman with so much love and a heart to serve others, it’s very obvious. God bless you and your family. ❤️

[@debbietorres3957]

This was a beautiful interview. Thank you for sharing your family story. You have wonderful parents.

[@ChristieTE]

You can see ans feel how lovely her mother is. Instead of saying “this baby “ .. she use instead “my baby”. You can feel the love from both her parents.

[@NATUREFORTRESS]

I recently found your channel and have felt a deep respect for you and your family grow within me. I love your personal vlogging. I know you deal with nervousness and anxiety when filming, but you are not alone Ashley. As a musician myself, I constantly deal with nerves and anxiousness when I perform on stage. Especially when I try to record music in a studio, I often need many takes to get it right and rarely release my music because I'm not happy with how it turned out. Somehow I feel like I understand your frustration, if even only a little bit. Please do continue to do personal vlogging as much as you can. My heart feels such a new found love for you because I recognize your struggle with depression, and your efforts toward living with intention and pushing through the hard days. I'm right there with you. You are never alone.

[@reflexionesdelabiblia6711]

someone mentioned being alone as children in hearing schools. encourage children to befriend hearing children. And encourage the deaf children to encourage the hearing children to learn sign. Many hearing children are not part of the in crowd and also get left alone a lot.

[@tyh4180]

I really enjoyed this video. The way your parents love you is inspiring. I almost cried when your mom said she wish she could trade places with you omgosh how sweet. Your parents are not interpreters and do not have to sign perfect. They just have to sign good enough for their child to understand. They sign good enough to communicate with their daughter. Good job mom for returning to school just for her baby. Simply amazing. Good job dad for taking time to learn. Not many men do that in your situation. You are a special man. My question is do the other 2 sisters sign?? Great video. Beautiful family.

[@heatherhartman3129]

I’m so glad that they gave you the opportunity to learn sign language because what I am learning these days is that there are many, especially in underdeveloped countries that don’t ever get to learn sign language. How hard that must be for them and lonely! I am really glad I found your channel and I’m excited to see all your videos.

[@Sycady]

I love this! Thanks so much for sharing this. I'm a college student who's learning ASL, and this was super helpful and inspiring. I used to work with deaf people a little when I was a missionary in DC, and I learned a bit there, but I'm excited to learn even more now. Thanks for helping! God bless you!

[@onlysometimes4913]

Thank you for a touch into your lives. We lacked so much then, had to learn as we lived. This educational video will be very informative for years. Please thank your parents. I would be so proud of them.

[@lyudmilalogvin3331]

Thank you for sharing this Video! Great Parents raised a Great Daughter!

[@youvashekel6509]

Such a great video, hard to hold my tears ❤️ Pray for you sister 🙏

[@ladyj9826]

Just amazing parents! Perfect relationship I can feel in my heart about you all. Thank you for sharing something so incredibly beautiful

[@soulephix]

Loved the video! Just so you know, Ashley...middle school was hard and very lonely for just about everybody. Hearing or not.

[@versasdemialma]

I think it would be so much harder for a deaf person in a predominately hearing school environement. I just think if I couldn't hear and others didnt know how to communicate with me, it would be hard to make friends. At least thats what I think. But yes Middle school is hard for most kids (awkward age). I got braces and glasses in middle school lol UGH

[@KIMBERLYLESTER1]

Thank you for sharing you story, Ashley (and Ashley's mom and dad!) :) You sure are loved

[@yasminrai6390]

I loved watching this! Your parents are so amazing and God bless you and your family always 💖

[@RonHutchCraft2]

Ashley this is an amazing Video, one among many, you have been such an encouragement To me over the years. I pray for you Ashley and I will continue to watch your videos as Often as you make them. God bless you Ashley. 🥰👍

[@AnitaPsh95]

Wow. This was beautiful,girl. :) You're truly an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your family's story.

[@TheSean7564]

What a beautiful video! Ashley, middle school was miserable for all of us I think … and I can hear!

[@gregolfin3636]

And watching your videos Ashley, you are helping people like me as my hearing is getting worse. And being able to learn ASL from your videos and your time is helping me so much. I thank you. Greg

[@LCONRADBF]

I love you Ashley! You and your parents... y’all inspire me every time I see your videos to do my very best to integrate into the deaf community!! 😊❤️

[@sapphire6107]

I took ASL couple of years ago and I still do self study with books but when came across your video, I decided to subscribe and learn more. Love the segment with your sisters.

[@eloisemarie5219]

What beautiful parents to choose to learn about the deaf community and to learn to sign. So exceptional.

[@angelinagrosenick3778]

Thank you for taking all the time to do CC! Saw the updates on progress on Instagram

[@jcoo3]

Thank you very much for sharing. Our son was born severe hard of hearing and Ive been doing my best to learn asl and about deaf culture. Ive been feeling a little disenchanted speaking with hearing people about him and am looking to learn and hear stories from actual deaf people! I love your videos, you are helping me learn asl. You are a beautiful, wonderful, brave girl thank you. :)

[@janecridland5105]

What tremendously wise and excellent parents ! You are all blessed.

[@kattt3474]

I can’t thank you enough for being so honest in your channel this video is very sweet and I’m also learning new signs while learning about my favorite ASL TEACHER. Haha love you never quit striving on what you’re doing enjoying everything you do ❤️

[@marisac.5303]

What a beautiful family! You are blessed! wish you much success.

[@mk553]

Thanks so much for sharing this, and all your videos. Big help!

[@keramiroberts6695]

Thanks for sharing your story. Beautiful voice in sign and spoken, thanks

[@paulamartin2455]

Caroline Hebert

[@blackqplaylists6751]

Such loving and supportive parents 😭

[@the_gr4vity966]

Beautiful story. I've always loved the deaf and hard of hearing community and I've always had an immense respect for you all. I've taken the time to teach myself ASL and now I'm starring as a signing character in the play The Taste of Sunrise. It's a beautiful play and it really sheds light on the D&HH community

[@ShermanSitter]

This is such a great video you have shared. It is so nice to see your parents and see them interact. They seem really nice. Also, I have a feeling your dad has a good sense of humor. I could see it here. :)

[@billy3689]

Thank you Ashley for sharing your experience wholeheartedly. I also appreciate your Mom&Dad thank you as well. I want everyone to know that just because someone can't hear, speak, or see does not in any way make them different or disabled, it's just like visiting a place that speaks a different language than you. There is nothing wrong with you it just means you need to put in a little time and effort to be able to communicate peace ✌️ & luv 💗 2 u good people 😘

[@BillGood]

Wonderful and very informative video, thank you to you and your parents for sharing this part of your journey. Many blessings to your entire family.