School Imposes Ban on Hearing Impaired Girl Using Sign Language
by Most of my regular readers know that I’m vigilant when it comes to the rights of handicapped persons. The elderly, very young, and disabled are the most vulnerable populations. They are often moved aside from the thoughts and empathy of society, which leads to them often being mistreated and neglected.
I read an ABC News article this week about (then) 12-year-old Danica Lesko that literally left me fuming. Danica Lesko’s is hearing impaired. Her primary way of communication is sign language, especially in noisy environments like a school bus.
Stonybrook School in Branchburg, N.J. somehow rationalized Danica using sign language on her school bus as a “safety hazard.” The principle of Stonybrook School sent a letter to Danica’s family ordering that Danica stop using sign language on the school bus or risk a three-day suspension. The letter also said that Danica had been told that sign language on the school bus was not allowed, but she continues to do it.
It seems that other children on the school bus were making fun of Danica using sign language, refusing to stay in their seats, etc.. So, instead of the school reprimanding the students mocking Danica, they just ban hearing impaired Danica from using sign language. Yes, these are the types of idiots that are “educating” our children!
The school attorney refused to discuss the details of Danica’s case, only saying that the parent’s and school have different versions of what happened. The Branchburg Board of Education has insisted that they have not violated anyone’s rights and is only trying to protect other students who must ride on the school bus.
Banning this girl from using sign language was clearly a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Danica’s civil rights. It is unclear if the Lesko’s ever filed a lawsuit against the school over the banning. I can not find any documentation saying that they have…so, I can only assume that the school district got away with this.
I think the “safety issue” justification was a bunch of hogwash. I mean what could possibly be unsafe about a child using sign language. But, even if it was causing some unsafe occurrence, that is still not justification to take away this child’s means of communication. Then, at the very end of the article, the motivation behind this gets a little clearer. It appears that Danica begin losing her hearing after a classmate at Stonybrook School allegedly shot a bottle rocket near her ear. Danica’s parents sued the school district over the incident.
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Post CommentJamie Myles
On June 9, 2010 at 9:32 pm
These idiots are ramped in our schools. The decisions they make accentuate the incompetence of our so called educators within the public school system. Is this what our tax dollars are paying for? I want a refund!
Jo Oliver
On June 9, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Me too, Jamie!!
Anuradha Ramkumar
On June 9, 2010 at 10:44 pm
Very rude school authorities. For a girl with hearing impaired, it is her right to use sign language, how can one deprive her of her rights…idiotic people.
Sarah
On June 10, 2010 at 12:09 am
Not that it isn’t infuriating, but this story is from 2001.
lillyrose
On June 10, 2010 at 8:14 am
OMG… this is totally outrageous, I would have started a protest at the school. I find it hard to believe that this happened because of the narrow mindedness of the head. I think sign language should be taught in schools. I know my children have had a few lessons but it could be a real valuable thing to have in later life. When I was a veterinary nurse we used to look after the care of the guide dogs and the hearing dogs. I wish I had been able to sign.
Jimmy Shilaho
On June 10, 2010 at 11:47 am
It was the meanest thing to do.
Netty net
On June 10, 2010 at 10:31 pm
I have a learning disability, People don’t understand and some people will make fun. I was made fun of. The girls parents are going have decide what to do about it. Maybe educate other people about being deaf.
amanda casey
On June 12, 2010 at 6:10 am
Thank you for making me aware. I pray my Rosary three times a day and will say a Rosary for that poor little girl.