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
DCMP: Stream accessible educational videos – free!
The Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) is free to all ASDC members. Find out how you can access 8,000+ educational videos for kids in English and Spanish.
Deaf Actress Shaylee Mansfield in new Netflix film
Shaylee Mansfield, a young deaf actress and YouTube star, plays Zuzu in the Netflix film, Feel the Beat, which debuts on June 19, 2020.
Webinar: Reading to Deaf Children
If your child knows what you are saying, but doesn’t understand what you mean, this webinar will show you how to use simple picture drawing strategies to increase your child’s understanding of abstract concepts and learn new vocabulary.
New program brings deaf kids together online
Learn how your child can communicate and connect with other Deaf and hard of hearing kids their age with the new Friends Like Me program from SignOn. ASDC members get 5 free sessions!
Webinar: Making Language Visual
If your child knows what you are saying, but doesn’t understand what you mean, this webinar will show you how to use simple picture drawing strategies to increase your child’s understanding of abstract concepts and learn new vocabulary.
Free Webinar: Best Early Intervention Practices during COVID-19
The webinar for parents and educators will share best practices on providing (and receiving) early intervention for deaf and hard of hearing babies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spanish voice interpretation available!
Online ASL Class: Summer Signs
Take a beginning ASL class online with ASDC! On Monday, June 15, 2020 we’re presenting a class on signs for the summer.
Talking to Your Child About Racial Justice: ASL & English Resources
Get resources for talking to your kids about recent protests and racial injustice – and ASL and English.
ASL School Signs Class
Learn ASL signs for school with teacher Richard Rose. Learn signs related to English, math, science, social studies, and more!
Free ASL Classes – Summer 2020
These free ASL classes are being offered by Connections Beyond Sight and Sound, the Maryland/DC DeafBlind Project, and the Family Support and Resource Center at the Maryland School for the Deaf. We thank them for their work to support families with deaf and hard of...
