Getting Started
1
Early Language
Early exposure to accessible language is vital for children's development, as early childhood is a critical time for language learning. Providing rich, accessible language during these formative years helps ensure your child builds a strong foundation for communication, learning, and social development.
2
Prioritize Language
What matters most is that your child has full access to at least one language (and you don’t have to choose just one!). While spoken languages may not be fully accessible, sign languages provide a complete, natural language experience, offering the rich linguistic input children need for healthy development.
3
Building a Team
It takes a village to raise a child, and the first step is building the right team. Connecting with deaf role models and language specialists ensures full access to language and learning. Great role models can help children embrace deafness as a strength, fostering confidence, resilience, and pride.
Welcome Families!
When your child is born, meet them, and they show you who they are,
and they show you what they need.
Malia's mother, Mildred Lewis
Resources
Browse our collection of evidence-based resources, all created to promote complete language access for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
