Unit4 Portfolio Bell

My Child is
Deaf, Now
What?
Resources for New Parents
What You Need to Know
ASL or English?
Just because your child has been diagnosed as deaf does not mean they
cannot live a fulfilling life. Yes, their life may now look different than you
may have imagined, but that doesnt make it bad. Deafness opens doors
to so many more opportunities and you get to experience it with them.
American Sign Language is NOT Visual English
Cochlear Implants
Your childs doctor will probably be talking to you about cochlear
implants now or in the near future. The first few years of life are critical
for language development and the success of a cochlear implant largely
depends on how early it is implanted. However, cochlear implants are
not always the best option for your child. There are many factors to
consider when deciding to get a cochlear implant for your child.
Throughout the entire process, make sure you are informed of the
perspective of the Deaf community and that you learn of the prosperous
life your child can live without a cochlear implant.
A common misconception is that American Sign Language (ASL) is just a

visual form of English. This is not true. ASL has its own grammar,
sentence structure and conventions. A key aspect of ASL is actually facial
expressions, not just the hand signs. ASL is its own unique language that
is entirely different from English.
ASL vs English
Will ASL Interfere with Speech Development?
The Deaf community uses American Sign Language (ASL) as their main
language, but most Deaf people are bilingual and can also communicate
in written English. Learning both languages is extremely beneficial to
deaf children, even those with a cochlear implant, similar to the benefits
of being raised bilingual for a hearing child.
No. According to the American Society for Deaf Children, all evidence
points to sign language being correlated with better speech production.
It has even been shown that using ASL as a child benefits hearing
children as well.
Education
You can choose to enroll your child in mainstream public education, but
there are also many schools for the Deaf that focus more specifically on
the needs of deaf children. Higher education is also still a very viable
option for your child and they can choose whatever career they would
like. There are universities aimed at Deaf populations, but also all other
universities are required to support deaf individuals when the need
arises (although some are more equipped to than others).
1
Cochlear Implants and ASL

If you choose to go down the route of cochlear implants for your child,
you may want them to become fully integrated into hearing culture and
society. However, experts still suggest a bilingual approach to language
learning for children with cochlear implants, as children do not always
respond well to the implant and ASL will give them access to language
before they learn to fully utilize the implant.
Education
Deaf as a Way of Life
You have a variety of education options to choose from for your child.
Every child is different and has different needs, and therefore nobody
can make the choice about what education system is right for your child
except for you. It is important to fully research your specific options, as
education programs vary from site to site.
Deaf Culture/Community
Early Intervention
These programs aim to begin language and communication
development for deaf and hard-of-hearing children up until they are of
kindergarten age. Some programs will take children from birth to begin
language and communication development as early as possible. These
programs also generally provide support and resources for parents.
Early intervention programs can be run by schools for the deaf,
government organizations or other local groups.
Schools for the Deaf

These schools can be either residential or day, and can be considered
oral or sign based. Oral schools will focus on teaching students in
English and developing their verbal language skills, while sign based
schools will use ASL as their main language. Some schools will also be
bilingual and/or bicultural meaning they teach both ASL and English,
and also teach aspects of both Deaf and American hearing culture.
Mainstreaming at Public Schools
Although you may see deafness as a bad thing and a disability, many
people who have grown up deaf as members of the Deaf community are
very proud to be deaf and do not consider it much of a disability at all.
The Deaf have formed a very strong culture and community around
their shared trait. Deaf culture is known for sharing information freely
and being blunt/direct when talking with others.
Deaf vs. deaf

deaf refers to the condition of not being able to hear. Your child has
been diagnosed as deaf.
Deaf refers to the community and culture surrounding the medical
condition of deafness. Many deaf individuals identify as Deaf as they are
members of the culture and their Deafness is a major part of their
identity.
Children can also mainstream at public schools. The Individuals with

Disabilities Education Act has protected the right to education for
disabled individuals. Mainstreaming can vary from providing no extra
support to students to providing a separate classroom with a teacher for
the deaf. It is extremely important to understand how your school
district will handle your childs mainstreamed education.
3
Assistive Technology
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are a medical
device implanted into the brain of a
deaf person that electrically bridges
the gap to the brain for sound
processing. However, cochlear
implants do not always work and do
not replicate hearing perfectly. Also,
some people just do not like how
their cochlear implant feels.
Video Relay Service & Video Calling

Video Relay Services act as a
telephone for the deaf, where an
interpreter interacts with the deaf
person via video and with the
hearing person on the other end of
the line via voice.
Vibrating Alarm Clocks

Vibrating alarm clocks will shake a deaf
persons bed to wake them up as opposed to
playing a loud sound like traditional alarm
clocks.
ASL Interpreting
Interpreting services are offered to interpret English verbal
conversations into the native language of ASL for deaf individuals.
Successful Deaf People

Marlee Matlin - Actress
Won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a
Leading Role for her performance in the 1986 film
Children of a Lesser God
California School for the

Deaf Football
ESPN created a film, Silent Night Lights
as part of their E:60 series highlighting
the journey of their 2014 season
Nyle DiMarco - Model

Won Americas Next Top Model in 2015
Competing on Dancing with the Stars season 22
Deaf West Theatre

Performed their adaptation of Spring
Awakening, utilizing ASL within the
show, on Broadway from Sept. 2015
Jan. 2016
Further Resources
American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC)
ASDC is the premier source of information for people who must make
decisions about deaf children: providers, educators, legislators, and
advocates.
Website: http://deafchildren.org/
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center

Run by Gallaudet University, a university in Washington, D.C. dedicated
to deaf and hard-of-hearing students, the Laurent Clerc National Deaf
Education Center provides information, training, and technical
assistance for parents and professionals to meet the needs of deaf and
hard of hearing children.
Website: http://www.gallaudet.edu/clerc-center.html
For a comprehensive list of schools for the deaf and hard-of-hearing in
the U.S., state-by-state resources and services, as well as summer camps,
visit: http://www.gallaudet.edu/clerc-center/info-to-go/nationalresources-and-directories.html
National Association for the Deaf (NAD)

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is the nation's premier civil
rights organization of, by and for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in
the United States of America.
NAD runs Deaf events and youth leadership programs, they have online
resources for families, and they advocate for Deaf interests.
Website: http://nad.org/

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Unit4 Portfolio Bell

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My Child is

Resources for New Parents

What You Need to Know

American Sign Language is NOT Visual English

A common misconception is that American Sign Language (ASL) is just a

Will ASL Interfere with Speech Development?

Cochlear Implants and ASL

Deaf as a Way of Life

Schools for the Deaf

Mainstreaming at Public Schools

Deaf vs. deaf

Children can also mainstream at public schools. The Individuals with

Video Relay Service & Video Calling

Vibrating Alarm Clocks

Successful Deaf People

California School for the

Nyle DiMarco - Model

Deaf West Theatre

Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center

National Association for the Deaf (NAD)

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