Just Deaf

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

Schuurman family

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

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

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

"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."

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

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

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

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

"What can I do now?"

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

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

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

"Sometimes I feel belittled as a deaf person."