Parents and Families
Visit this area often to see information for parents and familiesThere 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
Video: Socializing with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
As a teenager who is the only hard of hearing student at his school, Orren demonstrates ways classmates can help combat loneliness in mainstream settings.
The Silent Garden – Revised Third Edition
This completely revised third edition is a must-have resource that will help parents of deaf children navigate the complex and unique challenges they face. Accessible, practical, and, above all, open-minded, The Silent Garden educates parents quickly and thoroughly about the many conflicting points of view on what is best for their deaf children.
High Expectations
High Expectations, a families perspective on having a Deaf child.
Hands Land: ASL Rhymes and Rhythms
New ASL Rhymes and Rhythms video
Parent Child Interaction Therapy
Gallaudet now offers Parent Child Interaction Therapy
Should All Deaf Children Learn Sign Language?
The benefits of learning sign language clearly outweigh the risks. For parents and families who are willing and able, this approach seems clearly preferable to an approach that focuses solely on oral communication.
Clerc Center Releases Classroom Interpreting Guides
The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center has released five Classroom Interpreting Guides. A Guide has been written for Students, Parent, Teachers and Interpreters. The Guide for students offers several strategies that students can use to help them learn and...
New Transition Tool for Students – Map It
Pepnet 2 has released the new, online, interactive program Map It: What Comes Next. This program was designed to meet the needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing as they transition to work, college, or training programs. Map It is comprised of three...
2015 ASDC Booklet Now Available
The 2015 ASDC Information Booklet is now available
The Center for Accessible Technology in Sign (CATS)
The Center for Accessible Technology in Sign is a joint project dedicated to providing accessibility to learning via sign language.