Parents and Families
Visit this area often to see information for parents and familiesThere 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
Newsletter – December 2021
ASDC News • ASL Signs For December • Holiday Stories in ASL • Holiday Songs in ASL • Camp Belong Info • Deafblind Resources • Early Language Resources + More!
A Stamp for Laurent
Learn how you can support this campaign for the US Postal Service to create a commemorative stamp for Deaf educator Laurent Clerc.
Deaf-Blind Resources: Transitioning to Adulthood
Get resources from the National Center on Deaf-Blindness about how to start planning NOW for your child’s/student’s transition to adulthood.
ASL Resources for Kwanzaa
Get fun ASL resources for celebrating Kwanzaa with your family or students.
Holiday Songs in ASL! Christmas, Kwanzaa, & Hanukkah
See our video playlist of holiday songs in American Sign Language including Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.
ASL Video of the Week: POLAR EXPRESS
This week’s ASL video features an adorable child signing the classic Christmas book “Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg.
February Webinar: ASL Signs for Clothing
Join us for this fun online webinar and learn ASL signs for clothing that you and your child or students can use every day!
Webinar Series: Navigating Special Education Today
Join us for this special four-part series that will help you understand your child’s educational rights and work effectively with school personnel to maximize your child’s educational opportunities.
Special Online Event + Free Book (ASDC Members Only)
See a presentation by Paul Ogden (author of The Silent Garden) and receive a free copy of his new book, My Life in Language. This event is free and for ASDC members only.
ASL Sentence Structure – Jan 10 Webinar
Learn the basic rules of ASL grammar so you can confidently put signs together in the right order to make ASL sentences!