Vlog Summary: The holidays often mean families, and the words we use to describe our family relationships say a lot. Some families make a point of distinguishing between their biological children and their adopted children or their foster children. Even sisters and brothers may emphasize that so-and-so is a full sibling, while another family member is a half sibling. Sharon Duchesneau considers the impact of making such distinctions and the potential for creating feelings of not belonging or being second-class. Constantly identifying members of the Deaf community as Deaf-of-Deaf (DOD) or Deaf-of-Hearing (DOH), for example, does little to contribute to the feeling of family within the community, particularly when there is no real reason to make the distinction (i.e., no research-based need). Likewise, in families, simply identifying one’s children as children and siblings as siblings can go a long way in fostering feelings of acceptance and belonging.

To cite: Duchesneau, S. (2007, December 22). In with Family, Out with Steps, Halves, & Adoptees. ASC on the Couch. Retrieved (date retrieved), from http://www.ascdeaf.com/blog/?p=332