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For a Deaf Son

56 minutes 16 seconds

Now Playing As: Captioned (English) (change)

When Thomas Tranchin was one year old, his parents discovered he was profoundly deaf. His father, a filmmaker, produced this program (in video diary format), which originally aired on PBS. The program tells of a family's journey through a maze of emotional, educational, political and social factors as they face life-changing decisions. Includes interviews with family members, audiologists, and others. The "speech versus sign language" conflict is documented in detail. Oral, manual, and cued speech approaches are outlined and supplemented with viewpoints from a variety of sources as Tommy's parents struggle to find the best way for their child in this rare glimpse into the difficult choices faced by hearing parents of deaf children.

Media Details

Runtime: 56 minutes 16 seconds

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Man with brown hair and beard pointing right index finger out and away from camera. Caption. Uh, have you taught your children sign language.
1 hours 35 minutes 12 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Man looks at the camera as he uses sign language. Large photo of a young boy is on his left. Caption. To learn sign language and meet deaf people.
52 minutes 34 seconds
Grade Level: PT/TT -
Man bends over wheel well of a car, hands around wheel hub. Caption. It's been a win, win situation for both Jose and owner, Ken Smith.
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Episode 13
5 minutes 27 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Woman holds both hands, palms forward while looking at a man sitting across from her. Caption. And utilizes her skills to translate English and A, S, L.
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Episode 14
6 minutes 29 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Woman in a football stadium wearing cheerleader uniform holds pom-poms downwards while cheering. Caption. I don't even realize there are people out there.
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Episode 18
7 minutes 11 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Man dressed in chef's jacket holds baking pan and scoops sauce from bowl. Caption. And did internships at various hotels in northern California.
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Episode 15
5 minutes 24 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Woman performs on stage, head tilted back, mouth open, arms bent with fingers outstretched. Caption. There are a lot of different ways you can perform.
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Episode 16
8 minutes 15 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Nineteenth Century replica of the Amistad being repaired outdoors. Caption. You know, I worked on this project for 2 years.
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Episode 17
6 minutes 23 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
2 men wearing disposable hair caps talk over a large industrial-sized mixer on floor. Caption. He tested his family recipes by opening his own business.
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Episode 6
27 minutes 6 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Baseball player runs to first base as first baseman holds up his mitt. Coach and umpire watch base.  Caption. And they helped me become the person that I am today.
Achieving Goals! Career Stories of Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Episode 7
32 minutes 51 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12

Viewer Comments

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Hershella A. (Chicago, IL)
    September 13th, 2017 at 12:46 AM

    Awesome. Helps students get a better understanding of hearing parents trying to decide the best method of communication with a deaf child.

  • Tiny default profile photo
    AMY L. C. (PHILADELPHIA, PA)
    March 31st, 2017 at 03:03 PM

    This excellent documentary always leads to very animated, passionate discussions.

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Darlene C. (North Potomac, MD)
    December 28th, 2016 at 07:41 PM

    My students researched what happen to the boy after the movie. They were motivated to learn more!

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Jacqueline M. (Phoenix, AZ)
    December 1st, 2015 at 02:05 PM

    Great and one of my favorite video.

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    THERESE M. (ARDEN HILLS, MN)
    November 16th, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    I enjoyed the documentary. I thought though that the Mother was unrealistic with her expectations and was too concerned about who should have or could have been her son. Good example of what Parents think and feel about having a child who is deaf.

  • Tiny default profile photo
    Rhonda L. (Zephyrhills, AL)
    January 28th, 2015 at 06:25 AM

    Excellent movie for ASL 1