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
SignOn Welcomes DeafBlind Ambassadors
SignOn has a diverse group of Deaf ASL Ambassadors, all with different backgrounds, experiences, and teaching methods - and they have recently added six DeafBlind Ambassadors to their team. At ASDC, we are excited about the addition of DeafBlind ambassadors and join...
March 2023 Donor Acknowledgements
INDIVIDUAL DONORSAnonymous Robert Davidson Sara Hidalgo Deborah Korhonen Edgar & Lynda Layland Bradley Magala DEDICATED DONORSRachel Carroll & Isaiah BowmanIn Memory of Barbar Jean Carroll LouiseIn Memory of Ardth Montana Susan & Raphael OrensteinIn Memory...
Rock On! Metallica Creates ASL Interpretation Videos for New Album
It's time for some music appreciation! Not just any music, but some old-school heavy metal! For those of us who grew up with Metallica or loved old-school heavy metal - here's a great way to share with your kids and students your love of heavy metal music with...
ASL Video of the Week 4.27.23: Dragons Love Tacos
Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. If you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is...
Join ASDC at ReelAbilities Film Festival: April 27 – May 3
The 15th anniversary of @ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York starts tomorrow April 27th! Don’t miss a week of unforgettable films and events. The American Society for Deaf Children is proud to partner with @Reelabilities Film Festival: New York. Check out the full...
ASL Video of the Week 4.20.23 | Celebrate Earth Day
Every April 22nd, people of all backgrounds come together to advance sustainability and climate action in commemoration of Earth Day. Here, we share one of our favorite Earth Day stories in ASL: Earth Day: How We Care for Our Earth to help you teach your children and...
ASL Resources for Earth Day | 4 • 22
Get ASL Resources for Earth Day with links to videos of songs, signs, and stories for children in American Sign Language.
Reelabilities Film Fest | April 27 – May 3
The American Society for Deaf Children is proud to partner with the 15th annual Reelabilities Film Festival: New York. Check out the full lineup of remarkable films and riveting conversations at reelabilities.org/newyork and enter code rffasdc for 20% off festival...
Celebrate National ASL Day with ASDC
Today, April 15th, celebrate American Sign Language Day with us by learning how to spell your name or tell us a story in ASL! Please tag us in your ASL Day activities! Read more about National ASL Day here >> ...
NEW! April Workshop: Fingerspelling 101 with Richard
NEW WORKSHOP! Join us on Monday, April 24th, for our Fingerspelling 101 Workshop with Richard Rose. Learn fingerspelling basics and improve your fluency and clarity when using ASL! WHEN: Monday, April 24, 2023TIME: 8 – 9:30 PM (EST)WITH: Richard Rose...