She Doesn't Look Deaf

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (10/08) Ms. Cheatham has written a very powerful book on living with a deaf daughter when services aren't available, the struggles the family went through to help their daughter and apathy of many of those in the helping field. A prior military soldier, Ms. Cheatham gives birth to her daughter on May 21st. Aaliyah was born premature by c-section and transferred to another hospital for critical care. After much separation anxiety, little Aaliyah was able to go home with her family. At the time Louisiana was one of many states that required hearing tests for newborns. In her first test, Aaliyah scored extreme hearing loss. As all parents do when told their child has issues, the parents decided to test their daughter at home- same results. "She Doesn't Look Deaf" goes into detail about how the parents had to self-educate themselves on resources available for them through the military and specialty doctors. The Army has a program, the Exceptional Family Member Program, which is to assist soldiers with special needs family members with services to include schools, housing and transfers. Having been the Director of the Exceptional Family Member Program for 15 years, it is not a perfect program. There is so much paperwork and frustration on getting services in a timely manner and soldiers are still deployable worldwide. Although the military paid for tests and hearing aids, the struggle seemed to continue to get their daughter the services she needed, like sign language and cued speech. I believe if it weren't for the fact that the parents were so assertive in their search, Aaliyah would have not received the specific services she needed. From a psychologist's point of view, this book should be on the bookshelves of all practitioners, school personnel and parents of any child who has special needs. Ms. Cheatham stresses throughout the book that parents are the best advocates for their child. It is very important for parents to be knowledgeable about services available that not only include school resources and medical care, but they need to know the law and what has to be offered. In "She Doesn't Look Deaf," author Corinne Cheatham provides many resources to help parents who have the same concerns regarding their child. If the parents don't act on behalf of their child- who will?

She Doesn't Look Deaf is written from the heart. This book is a must read for any parent. It serves as wake-up call and a guide for parents. It is well written and documented and opens one's eyes on things we often take for granted.

This book really gives a wonder insight to one families dealing with their deaf child. Great information on where to go and how to ask for help. A must read for new parents of a deaf child.