Interview with Nancy Bloch - from the January-February 1999 World Around You-- Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, Gallaudet University

Cochlear Implants & the NAD

Nancy Bloch, Executive Director, National Association of the Deaf, stands second from right in a gathering of NAD board members. The NAD is re-evaluating its position on the use of cochlear implants for teens and children under 18 years old.

Nancy Bloch is the executive director of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD). The NAD is the oldest national consumer organization of deaf and hard of hearing people in the United States. For several years, the NAD has opposed individuals under 18 years of age receiving cochlear implants. Earlier this year, the NAD decided to change its policy. Here is an interview with Bloch.

WAY: Why is the NAD changing its policy about cochlear implants for kids? Bloch: We are now re-evaluating our position.

WAY: Does the NAD plan to adopt a new position? Bloch: Yes, at some point in the near future.

WAY: What are some of the factors that must be considered in the NAD's position? Bloch: There are many. Most important is that parents and teens are entitled to accurate information about cochlear implants, communication, and education.

WAY: What about the business and medical communities? Bloch: It is a fact that insurance companies often do not cover the purchase and use of hearing aids. We very much need research on the long term effects of cochlear implants. Furthermore, the implant centers themselves should become more sensitive to and include the visual communication needs of deaf children.

WAY: Tell us about the NAD committee on cochlear implants. Bloch: Phil Aiello, a deaf businessman with a cochlear implant, was appointed chair of the committee. The committee's role is primarily to develop informational material about cochlear implants. It will also advise the NAD on cochlear implants in general.

WAY: Are students with cochlear implants still "deaf kids?" Bloch: Absolutely. When these students remove their external devices, they are deaf.

WAY: What other issues is the NAD working on? Bloch: We lobbied and have just been successful in getting the U.S. government to require 100% captioning with broadcast and cable TV within the next eight years. We are also working to promote national laws that would require screening all newborn babies for hearing loss. We work constantly on access to the new technologies-wireless and cellular phones, computer hardware and software, and digital TV. We also promote open captioning in local movie theatres.

WAY: A full plate! And yourself? You are the first female executive director of the NAD? Bloch: Yes, this is my seventh year as executive director.

WAY: Would you consider having a cochlear implant yourself? Bloch: Not at this point. I wore hearing aids until several years ago, and I am comfortable with my identity as a deaf person.

General comments may be sent to: Ken.Kurlychek@gallaudet.edu