Just Deaf

"At first, very small things could make me incredibly sad."

Schuurman family

"Our parents gave us confidence: you're great, just the way you are."

"Sometimes I feel belittled as a deaf person."

"It was really kind of a relief when we heard Emiel was deaf."

"Now that I see how happy they are, I worry a lot less."

"The first year was very busy, so many appointments. We barely had time to enjoy it."

"Your first thought is: the world is ending. But it's not ending, another world just opens itself up."

"It's important for children to be able to be themselves."

"Would he ever be able to hear music, or the rain beating against the window? That was quite important to me."

"You end up in this medical scene, I almost forget to enjoy having my child."

"I love having a deaf child, that's hard to explain."

"I think bonding and interacting with your child is the most important thing."

"We're religious, and I immediately noticed this having an effect on my faith."

"The realization really hit us: we're responsible for this now."

"What can I do now?"