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
![Deaf Education: Let Advocacy and Collaboration Pave the Way](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/odyssey-article-blog-feature-image-1080x675.jpg)
Deaf Education: Let Advocacy and Collaboration Pave the Way
Deaf Education: Let Advocacy and Collaboration Pave the Way by Rachel Coleman, Director of ASDC This article appeared in the 2019 Issue of Odyssey: New Directions in Deaf Education from the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet...
![ASL Weekend in Mesa, AZ: Sept. 28-29, 2019](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/asl-weekend-header-mesa-az-1080x675.jpg)
ASL Weekend in Mesa, AZ: Sept. 28-29, 2019
Take your ASL skills to the next level! Join us in Mesa, AZ at Still University Sept. 28-29, 2019
![Video: May Signs with ASDC](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/may-signs-feature-image2-1080x675.jpg)
Video: May Signs with ASDC
Learn ASL signs for the month of May - and put them all together in an ASL story! This video is presented by Ricky Rose, who teaches at Galludet University and at ASDC's ASL Weekends. Thank you, Ricky! Ready to learn more ASL? Check out these exciting ASDC...
![Video: Learn ASL Signs for April](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/april-signs-video-start-screen-1080x675.jpg)
Video: Learn ASL Signs for April
Our April Signs video is presented by Ursa Rewolinski, an ASL teacher at the Maryland School for the Deaf and ASDC's ASL Weekends. Thank you, Ursa! Ready to learn more ASL? Check out these exciting ASDC programs!
Video: The Nissen Family shares their SignOn experiences
Watch this video to find out what this ASDC Member Family thinks about SignOn with ASDC, an online program that lets you practice ASL with a Deaf adult in real time from the comfort of your own home. Want to try SignOn free? Learn more here!
![The 2019 Summer Camps for Kids list is HERE!](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2019-Summer-Camp-List-Cover-Web-1080x675.jpg)
The 2019 Summer Camps for Kids list is HERE!
Are you looking for a 2019 summer camp that is welcoming to deaf and hard of hearing children? We've got you covered! Download our new Summer Camp for Kids list to find a program near you. Know of a camp that should be added to this list? Please send the...
![Tell Me About Your Day: Sharing stories at home with ASL](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/asl-storytelling-at-home-r3-1080x675.jpg)
Tell Me About Your Day: Sharing stories at home with ASL
Learn how sharing stories about your day in ASL is different than telling stories in spoken language, why it’s important to learn ASL storytelling skills, and how to do it!
![ASL Weekend in Riverside, CA: April 27-28, 2019](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/asl-weekend-riverside-ca-2019-1080x675.jpg)
ASL Weekend in Riverside, CA: April 27-28, 2019
Take your ASL skills to the next level! Join us at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside.
![ASL Weekend in Rochester, NY: May 18-19, 2019](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/asl-weekend-rochester-ny-2019-1080x675.jpg)
ASL Weekend in Rochester, NY: May 18-19, 2019
Take your ASL skills to the next level! Join us at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.
![ASL Weekend in Scranton, PA – June 1-2, 2019](https://deafchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/asl-weekend-scranton-1080x675.jpg)
ASL Weekend in Scranton, PA – June 1-2, 2019
at the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children