Parents and Families
Visit this area often to see information for parents and families
There is no one right way.
Every child and family is different. Values, experiences, opinions, and resources vary from family to family. What works in one situation may not work in another. There are a number of ways to be successful raising a deaf or hard of hearing child. No one plan or formula will work for everyone. You must do what you believe is right for your child and family. Start Here! ASDC is comprised of a board of parents of deaf children as well as deaf adults and we have compiled for you the ASDC Information book. Our gift to you will provide you with our combined expertise in one place.
Get to know other parents of deaf and hard of hearing children
All parents want what is best for their child. Meeting other parents and learning about their experiences can help you find out about options, resources and can serve as a means of support.
Get to know deaf and hard of hearing role models
Spending time with deaf and hard of hearing role models can help you understand what it means to be deaf. Your deaf or hard of hearing child can achieve the same academic, social, and personal fulfillment as hearing children. Did you know that most deaf and hard of hearing adults grew up in a hearing family? Their experience, information, and perspective can help you as you navigate your families journey.
Recommended Reading
Increasing Literacy Skills with Your Deaf Infant It is never too early to communicate with your child, especially if they are deaf or hard of hearing.
The Infant and Toddler Program If your infant or toddler has been identified with a hearing loss, they may be eligible for services under the Infant and Toddlers Program of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Picking Educational Programs Often parents want to know what the best program is, or whether a particular program is better than another one.
All Parents and Families Articles

Holiday Card Art Contest – Deadline Extended!
We’re inviting kids ages 3-17 to show off their artistic skills by drawing their interpretation of our 2022 Holiday Theme: “Holiday Fun with Family and Friends”. Enter today for your chance to be one of five featured artists in our 2022 Holiday Card Collection!...
ASL Video of the Week: When I’m Frustrated
Handling big feelings like frustration can be difficult for children, especially when there are barriers in language and communication. This social story will help you teach and show your child and/or students how to handle frustration in a positive way by using...
ASL Video of the Week 10/13/22: ASL Signs for OCTOBER with ASDC
October is the best month of the year! This week's ASL video is presented by Ursa Rewolinski, who teaches at our ASL Weekends and at the Texas School for the Deaf. A great learning video, just in time for Halloween! Be sure to visit ASDC's YouTube channel and ASL...
Donor Acknowledgements – September 2022
Thank you to ASDC’s September 2022 Donors! Your support and contributions help us connect families through American Sign Language. Individual Donors Anonymous (4) Kristie Bell Julie Eveland Paula Hunt - James Danielle Johnson Andrea Kwan Edgar and Lynda Layland Nykee...
Seeking Actors! Signs of Communication and ASDC Video Collaboration
We're excited to announce that Signs of Communication, LLC and the American Society for Deaf Children are partnering to create a social-emotional learning video series. This is a series of video episodes (each approximately 10-15min) that shows how families learn to...
NEW ONLINE CLASS: Holidays in ASL
It's that time of year! Join us for this fun and interactive ASL class to learn useful signs for holidays and special events that are celebrated throughout the year. Day: Monday, October 24, 2021 Time: 8:00 - 9:30 pm (Eastern) Teacher: Edna Johnston...
ASL Video of the Week 9/28/22: Perspectives of Hearing Parents of a Deaf Child
As September and Deaf Awareness Month come to a close, our ASL Video of the Week takes a different approach in offering some insight from parents. This week, Peter Kimball & Anne Bennett share their perspectives on how their family has navigated the complexities...
ASL Video of the Week 9/22/22: Meanings of GIVE in ASL
There are several different meanings of the word GIVE and they are all signed in different ways! Learn about those differences and how you can use them appropriately! Sentences are related to reading opportunities, not ASL translations. ASL Presenters: Ashley Russ,...
Enter ASDC’s 2022 Holiday Card Art Contest
We’re inviting kids ages 3-17 to show off their artistic skills by drawing their interpretation of our 2022 Holiday Theme: “Holiday Fun with Family and Friends”. Enter today for your chance to be one of five featured artists in our 2022 Holiday Card Collection!...
NEW ONLINE CLASSES! See the Fall Line-up for Online ASL Classes
Want to print and/or download a copy of the Online Class Schedule? Here's the link!