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
ASDC Celebrates Global Accessibility Awareness Day
American Society for Deaf Children celebrates GAAD, Global Accessibility Awareness Day! Every Third Thursday of May, we get people thinking and talking about digital access and inclusion for those with different disabilities. For the Deaf Community: High-Quality Audio...
Section 504: Your Input is Needed
US Department of Education - Office of Civil Rights to review the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Amendments to Section 504 being proposed "Just as in 1977, the voices of people with disabilities must be heard and incorporated..." The US Dept of Education Office of...
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May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated annually in May in the United States to highlight the history, heritage and contributions of Asian Pacific American communities. Asian-Americans and Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI) play a large role in the history...
ASDC Donor Acknowledgements – April 2022
Thank you to ASDC’s April 2022 Donors! Your support and contributions help us connect families through American Sign Language. Individual Donors Anonymous (2) Diana Burch Victoria Fleenor Sarah Grist Lisa Hailey Navin Jayakumar Phyllis Lee Bradley Magala Shenica...
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Deaf-Owned Businesses: Parents Gone Hiatus
Parents Gone Hiatus: ASLPasta Welcome to our first Deaf Owned Business Highlight! ASDC is committed to supporting the Deaf Ecosystem and those companies & organizations that are owned and/or founded by Deaf/HH persons in our community. As we continue our...
New Classes added in June 2022
Register early - spots will fill fast! ASDC Members save on every class! Email Cheri at cheri@deafchildren.org for your discount code todayOnline via Zoom | $25*ASDC members save $10ASL Class: All About IdiomsMonday June 6 | 8 pm ET In ASL there are many ways to share...
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Happy Mother’s Day from ASDC!
On Mother's Day (and every day) we celebrate moms and everything they do! Watch this special video message made especially for some pretty amazing people in our world! (You might find one just for you!) A fun learning activity for you and your...
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May is National Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Resources for ASDC & Deaf/HH families and individuals ASDC strongly advocates for mental health awareness, and encourages the families and individuals we support along with our allied partners and donors to seek out support and assistance so...
ASDC Donor Acknowledgements – March 2022
Thank you to ASDC's March 2022 Donors! Your support and contributions help us connect families through American Sign Language. Individual Donors Anonymous (3) Lara-Ann Baxter Adrian Cortez Tamara Flores Edgar & Lynda Layland Sam Mauro Katherine Mileto Geri...
April 15th is National ASL Day
Today, April 15th, we observe National ASL Day! It is a great opportunity to celebrate and learn more about American Sign Language. On this day in 1817, the American School for the Deaf (ASD) opened in Hartford, Connecticut. There, teachers and students worked...