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We are adopting a child that is hard of hearing and has a cleft palate. We have completed all the necessary documents and this week she was turned down for scoring too low on the psychological tests. We went to visit her last year in Aug. and she definately was not mentally handicapped in any way that they are saying she is. She has no mode of communication except gestures and the use of Sign language that she learnt from us. Verbal communication is hit and miss due to being hard of hearing. Am I able to get her here on a visitor's passport until we can get this sorted out? I am trying to get her a Minister's permit too. I want the fastest way to solve this and get her here. She has already waited a year and a half. The manner of testing was not done taking her language development into consideration. If anyone has any advice, I'd love to hear it.
Sharon.

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Originally Posted By Don

Hey! I live in Canada. Have worked with children with special needs for 20 yrs.- ironicly, I have worked with many hearing impaired children who were deemed developmentally challenged, when in fact they were fine once they were taught an appropriate manner of communication- ie: sign language- so they could be tested fairly (provided, of course, the test was done by someone who knew what they were doing).

Hmmm...ComSoc should be ashamed of itself for discriminating against a child who is hearing impaired- I'd suggest

contacting a local agency that handles situations for/with

hearingimpaired individuals to have them help advocate for the child...hearing impairment is no reason to not allow child into Canada).

Good luck!