What are the experiences of hearing siblings when there is a

deaf child in the family?

Liz Ray PhD, University of CanterburyDean Sutherland PhD, University of Canterbury

Billy O’Steen PhD, University of Canterbury

Hearing and deaf siblingrelationships

Sibling relationship viewed as normal; except when hearing loss is later in life: “I never looked at him as a disability, I looked at him as my brother”.

Siblings adopted new modes of communication: “…we were 2 years’ old when we went to sign language classes”.

Relationships with peers and extended family: “I was very selective in the friends that I had who actually came home with me. I was just worried about the teasing”…”.

Awareness of society’s view of Deafness: ”Some people just really need a kick up the bum is all I have to say! People sort of notice anything that’s different”.

Parents have a powerful influence: “It was my parents’ attitude, just in the sense that I never looked at my brother as a disability, he was just my brother”.

Parental expectations: “They just treated him like any normal child. They had the same expectations for him as they did for me. He didn’t get any special treatment”.

Parents proactive: “My father, he was a very strong advocate for Deaf people…he did fight really hard for the rights of Deaf people for them to have that respect in the community”.

Hearing siblings’ perceptions of parents

Siblings of children with a disability suggest strategies their parents should use…

Arrange for special time with the sibling without a disability.

Curb the caregiving responsibilities of

siblings.

Accept the disability and encourage all

siblings.

Provide chances for a typical family life and

typical family activities.

Identify stress times for siblings and seek to

diminish adverse effects.

Encourage siblings with a disability to do as

much for themselves as possible.

Teach siblings to engage with each other.

Use respite care and other supportive

services.

Welcome other children and friends

into the home.

Powell and Ogle (1985)

Hearing siblings view their deaf siblings as typical and normal and love and fully accept them for who

they are.