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
DEAF-OWNED BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Tony Mac Art
July Deaf Business Spotlight: Tony Mac Art Hailing from Texas and based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Dr. Tony Landon McGregor, aka “Tony Mac,” is an artist and a deaf educator of children from Navajo families. Tony Mac is best known for his beautiful wood-burned gourd...
ASL Video of the Week: “LINE” – 12 Different Meanings in ASL
Did you know there are 12 different meanings for the word "LINE"? Learn the different meanings and how you can use them in your conversations! Video: Meanings of LINE in ASLASL presenters: Luul Del, Ashley Russ, Nicole Greene, Trix Bruce, Jeff Padon, Yan...
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The Cogswell-Macy Act – Your Support Needed
It's the #CogswellMacyAct #TwitterBlast week! We NEED you to ask your legislators to co-sponsor this bill, which will improve IDEA for deaf/hard of hearing, blind/low vision & deaf-blind children. Use the Toolkit to learn how to help and be sure to SHARE...
ASL Video of the Week: “What I Am”
♪ "There's nothing I can't achieve because in myself I believe."♪ Sign/sing along with us! A beautiful ASL translation for Sesame Street of will.i.am's "What I Am". A great way to remember that we are all amazing - no matter what! Signed by Joey Antonio and Amelia...
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World Giraffe Day | June 21
Today is World Giraffe Day. We celebrate the longest-necked animal on the longest day of the year on June 21st every year. Learn a bit about giraffes with Ashley! Today we also celebrate the life of Diana Hernandez-McCaffery. Diana was a proud Deaf Cuban-American. She...
Tune in on June 21st | Navigating Mental Health in the Deaf BIPOC Community: Starting the Conversation
Join ASDC and Signed by Stories on Tuesday, June 21st from 2 to 3 pm ET for this first crucial conversation in a months-long series addressing challenges faced by youth in the Deaf/HH community in finding support for their mental health. "Navigating Mental Health in...
Celebrating Dad!
Here's to dads everywhere! Take a look at this fun collection of video messages for some special dads out there! Enjoy! A fun, interactive coloring page in English & Spanish celebrating dad! Great additions to your signing and reading activities with...
National Eat Your Vegetables Day 6/17
Of all the food-related national holidays, June 17th has to be one of our favorites. It’s National Eat Your Vegetable Day (a name that speaks for itself)! Whether you love them, dislike them, or tolerate them, eating a wide range of fresh vegetables is a key part of a...
ASL Video of the Week: Juneteenth – Liberty & Justice For All
Have you ever learned about and/or celebrated Juneteeth at home or in the classroom? Juneteenth is short for June Nineteenth. June 19th is a holiday that marks the day that enslaved people that lived in our country, found out that they were legally free. It isn’t a...
Donor Acknowledgements – May 2022
Thank you to ASDC’s May 2022 Donors! Your support and contributions help us connect families through American Sign Language. Individual Donors Anonymous (2) Cindy Flynn Edgar and Lynda Layland Bradley Magala Karen P Geri Rios Patricia TerwilligerDedicated Donors Edith...