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
2021 Class Packages
Get in the groove of learning ASL all year with our special offers for online class packages. Offers good through 12/31/20.
![Free Cued Speech Program](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/feature-image-cued-speech-1080x675.jpg)
Free Cued Speech Program
The National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) is sharing information about a free resource for families interested in using cued speech. Learn more about the Cued Family Program here.
![Deaf Identity – Online Survey for Young Adults](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/feature-image-deaf-identity-survey-1080x675.jpg)
Deaf Identity – Online Survey for Young Adults
A college student in Ohio is researching how Deaf identity is influenced by contact with culturally Deaf individuals. She has a short survey for young adults (18-25) who have at least one cochlear implant.
![NTID Interpreting Program Earns National Accreditation](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/feature-image-rit-ntid-interpreter-accreditation-1080x675.jpg)
NTID Interpreting Program Earns National Accreditation
RIT/NTID’s American Sign Language and English Interpretation program has achieved national accreditation, making it one of only 16 accredited bachelor’s degree interpreting programs in the country.
![New Parent App from Hands & Voices](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/feature-image-hands-voices-parent-app-1080x675.jpg)
New Parent App from Hands & Voices
Learn about a new app for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children!
![ASL Stories for December Holidays](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/feature-image-december-holiday-stories-1080x675.jpg)
ASL Stories for December Holidays
See our list of ASL videos of stories about December holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
![ASDC Online Events – January 2021](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/feature-image-january-events-1080x675.jpg)
ASDC Online Events – January 2021
Resolved to improve your ASL skills this year? Take an ASL class, join us for a webinar, or get your kids signed up for our first ASL Story Time event in 2021!
![ASDC Newsletter – November 2020](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/feature-image-nov-2020-news-1080x675.png)
ASDC Newsletter – November 2020
Learn ASL signs for October, get useful educational resources, participate in a research study, and more!
![Gettysburg Address in ASL](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/feature-image-gettysburg-address-in-asl-1080x675.jpg)
Gettysburg Address in ASL
Today is the 157th anniversary of President Lincoln’s Gettysburg address. Watch it here in American Sign Language!
![Free Webinars on Deaf-Blind Strategies](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/feature-image-ncdb-webinars-1-1080x675.jpg)
Free Webinars on Deaf-Blind Strategies
The National Center on Deaf-Blindness has just posted a series of recorded webinars for parents and teachers on instructional strategies for children and youth who are deaf-blind. Check them out here!