Marlee Matlin Speaks out

The Deaf community is reacting to a story we told you about Wednesday, where a potential break through in stem cell research could lead to the process being used on humans. You can see the story here. Actress Marlee Matlin offered a series of Tweets on the issue that included these comments:

• 'Deafness cure' is trending (on Twitter). My concern is that it's bigger than a 'trend.' It involves people & not as simple as the 4 letters in 'cure.' For those who think being deaf is a handicap, there are millions of Americans who sign, who are deaf, and are not a 'disease' to cure.

• "Think about this. What if someone told you that you could've been made different than the content person you are with genetics. Would you? Now think how millions of deaf people who lead productive lives, would feel when told that babies born deaf can be 'cured'."

• "Be proud of who you are, regardless of what people think is a 'handicap' or 'normal.' Normal is what you want to be. Don't let anyone tell you who or what you should be."

A link to another opinion from the UK from a partially deaf freelance reporter is here.