X50S5

Here’s the link to page 2 of the comic;
5A5A 2045, Page 2 (PDF)

This is a typical scenario. Thanks to the Early Detection and Screening initiative, 1,000′s of babies/infants are diagnosed with hearing loss every year. This is needed, as late detection of hearing loss has a profound impact on language development.

Depending on the severity of the hearing loss, availability of insurance, and attitudes of parents and professionals involved, a lot of things can happen. A deaf child could be fitted for hearing aids or Cochlear Implants. They could undergo the AVT regimen, or have ASL. They could receive speech and language therapy at earlier ages. Parents and family quickly accept their deaf child, or they take longer. They learn ASL or rely on their personal mode of communication.

While I may be biased towards ASL, I fully support the parental choices made in this area. They know the situation as it applies to them; I would be extremly reticient in criticizing them for using AVT and relying on CI’s. However, I would extol the virtues of using ASL for language development and have it as an option available for these kids and their families.

Here, Lucky undergoes a CI/AVT approach in ameliorating his hearing loss and language development. Also, I wanted it to fit the overall story; there isn’t much of a story for this comic if Lucky learns ASL.