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
How to Read and Sign a Story with Your Child
Watch this video to get lots of useful tips about how to read and sign a story with deaf and hard of hearing children and boost their literacy skills!
ASL Videos from DawnSign Press – Free for 3 months!
Dawnsign Press makes ASL stories, poetry, and educational videos available to teachers and families for a period of three months.
Literacy at Home: Make a Tactile Experience Book!
Learn how to make a tactile experience book – a fun way to promote literacy for any child, but especially useful for deafblind children.
New ASL Alphabet and Numbers Posters from ASDC
Learn the ASL alphabet and ASL numbers 1-20 with this bright and playful poster designed by our deaf graphic design interns from RIT.
ASDC Newsletter – March 2020
Kids out of school? Watch ASL Story Time videos and sign your favorite stories at home. Also, learn how to get free sessions of SignOn with ASDC – and practice ASL online with a deaf ambassador.
ASL Story Time: Amelia’s Fantastic Flight
Watch Maggie Lambertson’s beautiful ASL interpretation of the children’s storybook “Amelia’s Fantastic Flight” by Rose Bursik.
Talking to Kids about Coronavirus: ASL & English Resources
Updated 3/24/20 As our nation takes steps to slow the spread of the coronavirus, children may worry about how the situation will affect them - and you. Here are some resources from trusted sources, both in English and ASL, to help you get the information you need to...
Book Review: ABC Portraits of Deaf Ancestors
Read our review of this powerful and beautifully illustrated book for children about the accomplishments of Deaf individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
Join us! Parent Leadership Learning Party – March 8
You're invited! When: March 8, 2020 from 9am to 4pm Where: EHDI Annual Meeting in Kansas City, MO What: Join us at the 19th annual Early Hearing Detection and Intervention meeting where ASDC is hosting a Parent Leadership Learning Party. Who: Parents of deaf or hard...
Give the Gift of ASL
More than 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents, most of whom don’t know American Sign Language (ASL). Sign language plays an essential role in language development for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Find out how you can help parents of deaf children learn ASL!
