In order to function in an English-speaking world, a deaf child will need to understand English. However, this does not mean that English should necessarily be his first language. To communicate effectively, a deaf child must be exposed to language from an early age, just as hearing children are. American Sign Language, ASL, is a practical language for deaf children that will also allow them to acquire English language skills.
Types
According to RaisingDeafKids.org, deaf people communicate in five primary ways. Bilingualism/biculturalism involves learning ASL and becoming involved with deaf culture. The auditory-oral method focuses on listening, speaking and lipreading. Auditory-verbal therapy relies on residual hearing and discourages lipreading. Cued speech uses hand gestures that correspond with sounds. A combination of any or all of these methods is sometimes called total communication. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, though the bilingual/bicultural approach gives a deaf child full language immersion with ASL.
Features
The bilingual/bicultural program is so named because it gives children communication skills in both ASL and English. The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University cites research showing that early exposure to language is the best way for a deaf child to develop both linguistically and socially. By teaching a child ASL, parents are taking advantage of the critical stage of language development, which will put the child in a better position to learn English. Bilingual/bicultural studies focus on ASL and English, literacy and overall communication. Children with cochlear implants or hearing aids can also benefit from the method.
Considerations
Deaf children tend to be either educated at a deaf school or mainstreamed with hearing kids. A deaf schools is a place where a child who communicates using ASL will be surrounded by peers who speak the same language. Classes are taught in ASL by deaf or hearing teachers. If a child is mainstreamed, teachers need to make special considerations for the deaf student, taking into account how she prefers to communicate. Parents should contact their school to discuss ways to best facilitate communication for their child in the classroom.
Function
Visual communication is important for deaf children. Regardless of whatever type of communication method parents decide on, the fact remains that the child needs to see in order to communicate. Do not assume that a deaf child can lipread or hear traces of what you are saying. Always maintain eye contact, and be sure you have the child's attention before proceeding with communication.
Identification
Early intervention is the key to figuring out the best way for each deaf child to communicate. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders suggests taking your child to a hearing screening within his first month. If deafness is identified before language acquisition begins, parents can take the necessary measures to make sure their child is exposed to language as early as possible. Children who learn ASL as their first language will have the same advantages as a hearing child, as long as language is introduced early enough.
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