Robyn and David Nock are pictured with their three sons Robert, Mark, and Peter.
‘Robyn and David met at school – a school for deaf children. Many years later – 34 of them spent in the same house until a recent move – their 3 sons Peter, Mark and Robert live further away from them than they would like. David and Robyn realised long ago that if they did not keep up with technological developments, they would be left behind more than anyone else in the community. From flashing lights for doorbells and alarms, a TTY (telephone typewriter) and over the years, with increasingly accessible technology, faxes, email and SMS text messaging between mobile phones (where the phone vibrates). Therefore, they are able to keep in contact more than ever before. For Robert, Mark and Peter, the language of sign is the language of home. When at home, they never give a second thought to what they are saying or how they are saying it. But when in public, they and their parents do become very aware of it as many people stare – out of interest, mostly. But there is also that part of the community that think, ‘Oh, isn’t that wonderful’ – the condescending reaction. They want you to know that Deaf people don’t want or need to be saved. And that Deaf people can do things for themselves.’
THE NOCK FAMILY Woolongong NSW Australia, 2000