Rubella-Caused Deafness: Maintaining Objectivity and a Positive Frame of Reference

We remain encumbered in many parts of the world and in some pockets of this country with the false notion that lack of knowledge and ability to communicate is inherent in deafness. Scientific inquiry too often focuses on "what's wrong" and not "what's right" with deaf children, including those with maternal rubella. Failure to succeed should not ignore factors other than etiology, including educational and communicative factors. Many deaf children need more time to develop, and we should not be surprised that many rubella-deaf children with delayed development will function well as adults. A National Association of the Deaf-operated CETA program has demonstrated this. We should not ignore the support that deaf people offer to one another, and this support will be available to young adults with rubella-caused deafness.