Medical Appointments
Sometimes, people assume medical appointments must be too complicated for Deaf parents.
I've attended appointments where I arrived not knowing if access had been arranged, despite requesting it beforehand.
That uncertainty can become part of the appointment before it has even started.
Assumption:
"Deaf parents must find doctor visits too complicated."
Truth:
"Parents prepare, ask questions, follow up, and make sure their child is understood."
What often gets missed is that many of the challenges don't come from parenting.
They come from systems that still expect Deaf people to manage access themselves.
Most parents arrive focused on their child's needs.
Deaf parents often arrive thinking about both their child and communication access at the same time.
Being Deaf doesn't make me less involved in my children's healthcare.
It simply means I sometimes have extra things to organise before the appointment begins.
What helps you feel supported and informed during health appointments?
This reflection comes from my experience as a Deaf parent. It reflects one family's reality, not every Deaf family's experience.
