Teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
The Basics
1
Language Rich Environment
A language-rich environment is vital for supporting cognitive development, building strong language foundations, and fostering social connections, empowering deaf and hard of hearing children to thrive academically and socially. With access to communication, children can fully engage, learn, and grow in an inclusive and supportive setting.
2
Education, Not Accommodation
Education for deaf and hard of hearing children should be built around their strengths and needs, not just adaptations of what works for hearing kids. It is not enough to provide interpreters or teach in sign language; we must thoughtfully design a curriculum based on what children bring and where they are going, with a clear scope and sequence tailored to their learning goals.
Design a Progression
We believe in starting with what children know and supporting them in taking the right size next step. In bilingual literacy methods, this often means teaching new concepts in sign language first, ensuring a solid understanding, then layering on instruction in written language. This approach builds confidence and encourages lasting success.
Resources
ASL Storybook Library
A collection of engaging video stories in American Sign Language, created by members of the deaf community for kids. Featuring a wide range of stories, this library brings language and imagination to life, providing an accessible and fun way for children to enjoy storytelling in ASL.
ASL Assessments
Our ASL Assessments are designed to evaluate different aspects of American Sign Language development in children. From vocabulary to grammar, these in-person and interactive assessments help track a child’s language development.
Curriculum and Resources
A structured approach to teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing children both ASL and English grammar. Designed specifically for DHH learners, it moves step-by-step from ASL to English, ensuring a strong linguistic foundation.
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