Parents and Families
Visit this area often to see information for parents and families![](/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ASD-1005_-FP-image_v01.jpg)
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
![Accessibility of Children’s Programming](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/feature-image-childrens-programming-accessibility-fcc-survey-1080x675.jpg)
Accessibility of Children’s Programming
Take a short survey to let the FCC know about your experiences with finding captioned or described children’s educational programming.
![What is JRCD?](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/feature-image-jewish-deaf-resources-center-1080x675.jpg)
What is JRCD?
If you are a Jewish parent of a deaf or hard of hearing child, read about what the Jewish Deaf Resource Center has to offer you!
![Deafblindness: Socialization and Recreation](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/feature-image-deaf-blind-social-opportunities-1080x675.jpg)
Deafblindness: Socialization and Recreation
Learn how you can facilitate social opportunities for children who are deaf-blind and help them form lasting friendships.
![Deaf Children and Mental Health: A Letter to Parents](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/deaf-children-mental-health-letter-feature-1080x675.jpg)
Deaf Children and Mental Health: A Letter to Parents
This letter to parents from Emma Hunt (NAMI) explores the unique needs of deaf and hard of hearing children and how parents can support their mental health from the beginning.
![ASL Video of the Week: TURN](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/asl-video-of-the-week-turn-feature-1080x675.jpg)
ASL Video of the Week: TURN
This week’s ASL video is all about the many meanings of the word TURN, presented by our friends at Read With ASL.
![Newsletter – September 2021](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/feature-image-newsletter-sept-2021-1080x675.jpg)
Newsletter – September 2021
ASDC News • Arts Competition • Free Events & Conferences • Driver Poll • More!
![Deaf Awareness Month: Perspectives from Hearing Parents of Deaf Children](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/feature-image-deaf-awareness-month-perspectives-from-hearing-parents-of-deaf-childrren-1080x675.jpg)
Deaf Awareness Month: Perspectives from Hearing Parents of Deaf Children
September is Deaf Awareness Month. Get perspectives from parents of deaf and hard of hearing children.
![International Day of Sign Languages 2021](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/idsl-2022-email-header-1080x675.jpg)
International Day of Sign Languages 2021
Celebrate the UN’s International Day of Sign Language by donating to support programs that help families learn ASL.
![ASL Resources for Deaf Awareness Month – September 2021](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/deaf-awareness-month-september-2021-1080x675.jpg)
ASL Resources for Deaf Awareness Month – September 2021
September is Deaf Awareness Month. See ASL videos that celebrate this annual event and raise awareness about diversity in the Deaf community.
![2022 MJP Deaf Art, Storytelling, and ASL Poetry Competition](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/mjp-competition-2021-feature-1080x675.jpg)
2022 MJP Deaf Art, Storytelling, and ASL Poetry Competition
Registration is now open for the 2022 Marie Jean Phillip Deaf Art, Storytelling, and ASL Poetry Competition. See past winners, learn how to register.