Deaf Baby Deaf Child

EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Raising And Educating a Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing Child

Whether it’s a deaf baby (birth to three years old) or deaf child, discovering a child has hearing loss can be a challenge for many parents.

Fear of the unknown, fears for the child’s future, uncertainty about how to build a bond, and worries over how to raise and how to teach a deaf child are common feelings.

People may start to frantically look for “ways to help my deaf child”, asking “my child is deaf, what can I do?”, researching “why my baby is deaf”, and similar.

It’s important that parents remember their child has the same potential that they would have if they could hear. Parents still have the same natural skills to nurture their child, engage in play, and interact.

While raising a deaf child or baby with hearing loss does need a different approach as compared to raising hearing kids, with the right support, tools, and techniques, most parents quickly adapt to help their child to not only exist in a hearing world, but to thrive.

There’s plenty of help outside of the home too. Attending speech therapy for a deaf child or a school for deaf children are just two examples. Some deaf children may benefit from the technological advancements that are now available to assist deaf children.

Deafness can, however, impact the ability of children to develop speech, language, communication, and social skills at the same level as their peers.

Diagnosing, understanding, and supporting deaf children as early as possible is essential for the most positive outcomes.

The key to successfully raising and educating a young deaf or hard of hearing child starts with building the foundation for development of the whole child: intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about raising and educating deaf children.

Here’s what we’ll discuss in this article…

Key facts about deaf babies and children, including examples of childhood deafness causes
Challenges and solutions for deaf parents with hearing children
Challenges and solutions for hearing parents with deaf children
How Early Intervention Services for deaf children work and why they are important
Use of American Sign Language (ASL) in families with deaf children or adults
The role of books for deaf children
Learning and education for deaf children
Top toys and games for deaf children
Engaging cartoons for deaf children
Invaluable resources for parents of deaf children
Best baby monitors for parents with young deaf children and recommended baby monitors for deaf parents
Where to access support for parents and deaf children
Deaf baby adoption
Common questions about deaf babies and children

Deaf Babies and Children Facts

In the USA, there are more than one million deaf people.

Understanding some common deaf children facts and figures can go a long way towards reassuring parents of deaf kids that they are far from alone in this situation.

There are diverse causes of deafness in children. Deafness may be since birth or it may have developed early in a child’s life.

What causes a baby to be born deaf? There can be several congenital causes for baby hearing loss, including hereditary conditions and genetic factors, maternal diabetes, exposure to toxins while in the uterus, maternal illness while pregnant, and lack of oxygen either while in utero or during the birth process. Premature babies may be at risk of hearing loss.

There’s also a range of reasons that deafness may develop after birth. Examples include infection, inflammation, damage to parts of the ear, head injury, toxin exposure, and exposure to loud noises.

Malfunction or malformation of the ear can also be what causes deafness in children. Loss of hearing can occur when any part of the ear doesn’t function as it should, including the inner, middle, and outer parts of the ear, the auditory system, or the acoustic nerve.

Characteristics of a deaf child vary greatly. Signs and symptoms of deafness in childhood are wide-ranging and different for all children.

They may include:

No reactions to loud noises or voices
Simple or no sounds
Delayed speech
Pulling or rubbing ear

While most babies have a hearing screening test shortly after birth, parents should seek prompt medical guidance if they suspect their child may have hearing loss.

States differ in their newborn hearing screenings; 45 states have newborn hearing screening requirements.

Looking at deaf children statistics, around 2 to 3 in 1,000 US-born children have some form of hearing loss. One or both ears may be affected and this statistic includes fully and partially deaf children.

Further, 1.7 out of 1,000 babies screened have a positive diagnosis for hearing loss.

People often wonder can two deaf parents have a hearing child? The answer is yes. In fact, while it is possible, it’s actually rare that deaf parents have deaf children.

Statistics of deaf children suggest there is around a 10% chance for two deaf parents (with no known genetic causes) to have a deaf child.

The combination of deaf parents deaf child is much less common than deaf parents hearing child.

Deaf child hearing parents is more likely; the percentage of deaf children with hearing parents is around 90%.

Deaf child hearing parents is more likely; the percentage of deaf children with hearing parents is around 95%.

Put simply:

What percentage of deaf children have deaf parents? – around 10%
What percentage of deaf children have hearing parents? – around 90%

Deaf Parents Hearing Children

Within each generation, there are around 50,000 hearing children of deaf parents for every two million deaf people. Such children are referred to as CODAs.

Deaf parents with a hearing child face separate challenges to hearing parents of deaf children. Similarly, a child of deaf parents has unique issues to overcome.

CODA:

The acronym CODA stands for Children of Deaf Adults. It refers to people of all ages who were raised by at least one deaf parent. KODA (Kids of Deaf Adults) may be used for children under the age of 18.

A hearing CODA child typically identifies with both the hearing world and the deaf world. Often, a hearing CODA (child of deaf parents) acts as a bridge between the two worlds for their parent(s).

While deaf children are born to deaf parents approximately 10% of the time, there is not a category of “deaf CODA.” The term CODA refers to a hearing child who has either one or two deaf parents.

Common challenges experienced by the parents (and possible solutions):

Challenge – Deaf parents may have difficulties communicating with other people involved in their children’s lives, especially when children are still very young and not yet communicating.

ASL interpreters can help in many cases, for example with healthcare professionals, childcare workers, and teachers.

Challenge – Deaf parents can feel isolated and as though they have little guidance when it comes to parenting.

Joining support groups or online chat forums to connect with other deaf parents with hearing children can be invaluable, both in terms of practical guidance and moral support.

Common challenges experienced by the child/children (and possible solutions):

Challenge – Hearing children of deaf parents may be delayed developing skills in spoken English, due to ASL being the primary language used at home.

Immersing children in the hearing world, for example with relatives and trusted friends, can help them to learn English from an early age alongside ASL. Enrolling them into their state’s Early Intervention Program can also help.

Challenge – Hearing children with deaf parents may resent having to act as a bridge between their parent(s) and people who can hear, particularly if their peers come from hearing families. Encouraging children to connect with other CODAs can help them to feel less different.

Challenge – A hearing child of deaf parents may face prejudice because of their parent’s / parents’ deafness, which can cause feelings of anger, sadness, shame, and frustration. Having a solid support group can be emotionally and mentally beneficial.

Deaf Children Hearing Parents

Raising a deaf son or deaf daughter often seems daunting, especially if parents have no prior exposure to deaf people.

Consider, though, the question what percentage of deaf children are born to hearing parents?

As mentioned previously, there’s about a 90% chance that a baby born deaf will have hearing parents. This means that anyone trying to learn how to raise a deaf child definitely isn’t alone.

Living with a deaf child can be different from life with a hearing child. Life with a partially deaf child (such as a baby deaf in one ear) also requires different parenting methods and techniques. Parents of a deaf child often have to make life-changing decisions.

With professional support, infant deafness doesn’t need to be the obstacle that it may first seem to be; for both parent and deaf child, hopes can be realized for a happy, fulfilling, and successful life.

There are further differences between raising a deaf newborn, or a child who was deaf at birth, and parenting a deaf child who started life being able to hear but then became deaf later on in childhood.

Common challenges experienced by the parents (and possible solutions):

Challenge – Parents may struggle learning how to communicate with a deaf baby. This can lead to challenges when it comes to soothing a deaf baby, bonding with a new baby, and helping a child to develop and grow.

Using gestures and basic sign language from a young age can help to enhance communication between parent and child.

Challenge – There are several deaf child sleep problems that may concern parents. Deaf children may experience sleeping problems, and this can impact the quality of sleep for both the child and the parent.

Leaving on a nightlight can help to comfort kids, as can having a familiar item close at hand, such as a favorite teddy bear or a piece of clothing from a parent.

Challenge – Without using verbal communications, parents may struggle finding ways to play with their children. Play is, however, an important part of development for all children.

Investing in special toys for deaf children can make childhood play a lot more meaningful and fun for everyone.

Common challenges experienced by the child/children (and possible solutions):

Challenge – A young deaf boy or girl may feel isolated and lonely, particularly in settings where they are the only deaf child.

Making sure children have regular access to other young members of the deaf community can help kids to feel less alone.

Support group meetings, both in person and online, deaf camps, and playgroups or schools for deaf children are a few ways to introduce deaf children to each other.

There are also legal provisions for deaf children to access interpretation services, which can help older kids feel less isolated in some settings.

People commonly question under what federal regulations are deaf children offered interpreters? The answer is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

Challenge – Youngsters may feel overwhelmed using and taking care of hearing aids and other technology for deaf children. They may feel self-conscious to use devices in public.

Normalizing deaf-friendly technology can help kids feel less different, for example if a parent also wears a hearing aid outdoors in solidarity and if children have deaf friends and role models.

Teaching children how to care for equipment correctly, parental monitoring, and established routines can be beneficial.

Challenge – When deaf children don’t have access to a visual language from birth, they can develop slower than their hearing peers, with speech, vocabulary, general learning, and social skills all affected.

This can make children feel frustrated and prevent them from enjoying age-appropriate activities. Early diagnosis of childhood deafness is essential.

It ensures appropriate learning techniques are used and, over time, children often catch up with their hearing peers.

Reassuring children, having good support networks in place, and making sure kids have access to suitable opportunities are important.

Using a range of age-appropriate deaf resources can help too, such as books, apps for deaf children, TV shows, and games.

Older children may benefit from the assistance and companionship provided by hearing dogs for deaf children.

Early Intervention Services for Deaf Children

Early Intervention Services for children born deaf seek to help youngsters communicate as effectively as they can.

Studies indicate that infant hearing loss can lead to greater difficulties regarding communication, emotional development, and social skills than experienced by hearing children.

Children with partial hearing loss (such as when there is single sided deafness in children) typically also have challenges making and hearing certain sounds. Speech therapy can help children with a mild or one-sided hearing loss.

Early Intervention providers work with the child, parent of deaf child, and other professionals (such as pediatricians, audiologists, service coordinators, and educators) to ensure that a child develops as much as possible.

How does Early Intervention for deaf children work?

Speech therapy provides vital help for deaf children to learn how to communicate.

Early intervention including speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and audiology provides vital help for deaf children to learn how to communicate.

One option in Early Intervention is speech therapy for children who demonstrate a mild to moderate hearing loss and the potential to develop speech skills.

Deaf children’s speech development focuses on several key aspects:

How to make the right mouth and tongue movements to produce certain sounds
How clear and understandable speech is
How to communicate with clear and understandable speech
How to use language to communicate

Early Intervention Services can also include:

Language development in ASL
Motor skill development
Social skills
Self-help skills
Thinking & play skills

Children with little to no hearing will likely never be able to use their voice well. An amplification device, such as a hearing aid, may be beneficial for some children.

For children with some hearing, an amplification device, such as a hearing aid, may be beneficial.

Speech therapists may also help to develop language. This isn’t only verbal; it can include body language.

Therapists can help with language development in profoundly deaf children with cochlear implants (small electronic devices that stimulate the auditory nerve to give a representation of sounds and assist with understanding speech).

Early Intervention providers – speech therapists, audiologists, occupational therapists and physical therapists – may also help to develop language, either spoken language or a visual language such as ASL.

Providers can also help with spoken language development in profoundly deaf children with cochlear implants (small electronic devices that stimulate the auditory nerve to give a representation of sounds and assist with understanding speech).

Some Early Intervention providers may teach lip reading to children with mild to moderate loss or children with cochlear implants, which can be an essential aid to communication in families of deaf children with hearing parents as well as in the wider society.

How often should Early Intervention sessions be?

Each deaf child has different needs, and the frequency of intervention sessions will vary for all children.

There are various factors to take into account, including the level of hearing loss, stage of development, and age of the child. Early Intervention session frequency is based on the needs of the individual child and family.

How long is each session?

The length of Early Intervention sessions also varies for each child. For example, a very young child may lack concentration for longer sessions and would be better having shorter but more frequent sessions.

How early should a deaf child start Early Intervention Services such as speech therapy, audiology, physical therapy and occupational therapy?

Starting services as early as possible is essential. Delayed intervention can have potential developmental impacts for the rest of a child’s life. Ideally, a deaf child should begin Early Intervention services as soon as a baby’s hearing loss has been detected.

How much does a session cost?

In the US, there is typically little or no cost to parents for Early Intervention Services for deaf children. If parents decide to arrange additional private sessions, costs vary between providers. Insurance may pay in some cases.

Our Language and Communication Policy

The American School for the Deaf (ASD) embraces an American Sign Language/English Bilingual approach to provide our students with a dual language foundation in American Sign Language and English (written and spoken). This approach integrates American Sign Language, Listening and Spoken Language, oral habilitation, reading, writing, and the use of assistive devices.

Learn more about ASD’s Language and Communication Policy

American Sign Language (ASL)

American Sign Language, commonly referred to by the acronym ASL, is a visual language that allows people to communicate through movements, gestures, and expressions.

For deaf ASL users, the brain processes language through the eyes rather than through the ears.

Different countries use their own sign language—ASL is mainly used in the USA and parts of Canada—and there can be dialects and regional variations.

As with spoken languages, ASL is a true language with a wide range of vocabulary and rules surrounding grammar and syntax. The language also changes over time—new signs evolve just as new words in a spoken language do.

One of the common characteristics of deaf children who grow up in a hearing household is that ASL is not often used and the families have no connection with the deaf community.

They may develop their own gestures for communication. Known generically as home signs, the self-made gesture systems enable deaf children to communicate to some extent with their parents.

Without any common structure, however, such systems are not effective for communications outside of the home.

Ultimately, deaf children must rely on caregivers to interpret their gestures to the wider community and often end up feeling isolated.

Unlike home signs, ASL is a complete language that offers a means of communication in a larger group of people.

ASL can often be the main method of communication between a (deaf or hearing) child of deaf adult and their parent(s). Indeed, such children often grow up with ASL as their first language.

In an ideal world, deaf children and their caregivers should aim for fluency in both ASL and English.

A report entitled “The right of the deaf child to grow up bilingual” argues that knowing a sign language and an oral language (both in written and spoken forms) enables deaf children to reach their full potential.

While there are several baby sign language pros and cons reported for hearing families, there are only positives when concerning deafness in infants.

As with Early Intervention, the earlier a deaf child starts to learn sign language, the better. Studies indicate that children who learn sign language from a young age develop better in various aspects than deaf children who delay learning, or never learn, how to sign.

Parents also need to learn ASL. When there’s a diagnosis of deafness in newborns or children, it’s recommended that parents start learning sign immediately because deaf and hard of hearing children are visual learners.

Parents can then use sign alongside speech when interacting with their child, expose their child to the deaf alphabet—known as the manual alphabet—from an early age, and help their child to naturally develop their own skills in signing.

Learning to sign is an important element when parents are wondering how to care for a deaf baby.

Further, when hearing parents of deaf children learn together, ASL can open up communication pathways, enhance bonding, and provide support to the child.

How to Teach a Deaf Child Sign Language

A child of a deaf adult, whether deaf or hearing themselves, will typically learn sign language naturally at home from their parent, much in the same way that a hearing child naturally learns how to speak.

A deaf child who has hearing parents generally, however, is not exposed in the same way to ASL in the home from an early age.

Parents need to make a dedicated effort to learn ASL in order to be able to teach it to their child. It is also hugely beneficial if all primary caregivers and siblings use at least basic ASL with and in front of the child.

Learning how to teach sign language to deaf children can be daunting. Luckily, there are many resources to assist, particularly from the American Sign Language Association. Further support is often available from a local ASL organization, and from deaf schools, which often host classes.

Deaf mentors can also help children learn ASL. Deaf mentors are highly trained deaf and hard of hearing adult role models who work with families to provide support, strengthen communication skills, and offer advice and guidance based on firsthand experience.

Additionally, professional ASL teachers can be vital to the success of both parents and deaf children in learning ASL.

Deaf Aids For Children:

Today, there are two main types of technological support for deaf children: hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Essentially, hearing aids amplify sounds, thus making it easier for people who are hard of hearing to hear better. They do not prevent hearing loss or restore the ear’s natural hearing ability. Hearing aids can be suitable for babies and children of all ages.

Analog hearing aids work by converting sound waves into electrical signals and then making them louder, whereas digital hearing aids convert sound waves into numerical codes and make them louder.

The cost of hearing aids can vary immensely, ranging anywhere between $1,000 and $6,000+ USD. Analog aids are generally cheaper than digital hearing aids. Hearing aids typically last for five to six years.

There are several styles of hearing aid, with differences in placement, size, and effectiveness of amplification. Different removable styles include:

There are several styles of hearing aids, with differences in placement, size, and effectiveness of amplification. Different removable styles include:

BTE – Users wear a chunky hard case behind the ear
ITE – The device fits entirely within the outer part of the ear
Canal – The hearing aid is worn inside the ear and is difficult for others to notice

There are also bone anchored hearing systems, which are surgically implanted devices that conduct sound vibrations through the skull directly to the inner ear. This type of hearing device is generally used for children who have hearing loss in just one ear or whose deafness is caused by issues with the outer or middle ear.

Cochlear implants may be good options for deaf babies who have severe or profound deafness in both ears. They are not approved for use in children until they reach nine months of age.

A cochlear implant does not restore hearing. Rather, an electronic device can provide a representation of sounds and assist with speech understanding.

An implant has two sections; one part is underneath the skin and the other is externally located behind the ear.

Books for Deaf Children

Exposing deaf infants and toddlers to early print board books and the manual alphabet is important because they are visual learners. When considering how to teach a deaf child to read, there are plenty of great books that can help.

Reading to a child, hearing or deaf, from a young age is hugely beneficial. Even when a baby doesn’t understand the story they can still be engaged by the pictures. Reading to deaf children can also be a positive bonding experience for parents and children.

By the age of about 12 months, children may be able to point out objects on a page and make simple signs for basic objects, animals, food, etc.

Early exposure to books can help foster an interest in reading and aid future development.

Ongoing, parents, teachers, Early Intervention providers, and other professionals all play a role when it comes to the best outcomes for how to teach deaf child to read. Additionally, links have been found between reading ability and language development in deaf children.

As a child’s understanding and reading ability develops, reading children’s books with deaf characters can be positive. Deaf children can often identify more with the characters and story, providing both an enjoyable experience and a sense of belonging.

Children’s books about deafness can also help kids learning how to navigate their way in the world, encourage learning and development, provide greater understanding and clarity, and reduce feelings of insecurity and of being different.

Great books for deaf children include:

Book: Tickle, Tickle
Author: Helen Oxenbury
Year Written: 1999
Suitable For Ages: 1 – 5
Description: Tickle, Tickle features cute babies of different races playing and having fun. The pictures are large and colorful, and parents can act out the ending of the book with their child.

Book: Let’s Eat
Author: Patrick Yee
Year Written: 1995
Suitable For Ages:  2 – 4
Description: The cheerful and colorful illustrations in Let’s Eat are appealing to young children, and kids can learn various food-related words. Images are arranged in a logical way that encourages word association, for example ice cream and milk are placed on opposite pages.

Book: Teddy in the House
Author: Lucy Cousins
Year Written: 1992
Suitable For Ages:  0 – 3
Description: Teddy in the House is a delightful rag / cloth book with soft padded pages and bright, eye-catching illustrations. It stimulates the senses of sight and touch and is safe for babies to chew.

Book: Ranvir Cannot Hear
Author: Genevieve Yusef
Year Written: 2016
Suitable For Ages:  0 – 7
Description: Ranvir Cannot Hear tells the empowering story of a deaf elephant who, on his search to find his hearing, makes new friends who, despite various limitations, display an array of talents. As well as lovely pictures the book also includes the ASL alphabet.

Book: A Quiet Kind of Thunder
Author: Sara Barnard
Year Written: 2017
Suitable For Ages:  12+
Description: A terrific book for young deaf adolescents, A Quiet Kind of Thunder is a touching tale of love blossoming between a girl who doesn’t talk and a boy who is deaf. The characters seek ways to communicate with each other and the story has a powerful message.

Deaf Education for Newborns To Age 5

Deafness in children is low-incidence, with approximately 95% of deaf or hard of hearing children born to hearing parents. This often results in parents and families feeling ill equipped to provide the best language and communication supports for their deaf children. 

As families become connected to available resources, including Birth-to-Three programs and other agencies, their confidence grows and they are able to provide the appropriate supports. With these supports in place, deaf children develop no slower than hearing children.

However, for deaf and hard of hearing children who are not immediately connected with available resources, they may be slower to develop their language skills. In these instances, child deafness can cause many challenges related to the social and academic spheres.

Language, whether spoken or signed, is necessary for learning. Language, therefore, is an essential part of how deaf children learn—and how all children learn.

Every child’s education begins from birth, whether they are hearing or deaf. Parents and primary caregivers play as big a role in a child’s learning as formal schooling does.

With deaf children, early learning is provided by parents with the support of professionals who have experience working with deaf children.

While ongoing deaf child education can, at times, be achieved in a mainstream school, with relevant supports in place, many families find that their child benefits from being part of a deaf classroom.

Trained education professionals work with deaf children to help them reach their full potential, and children can feel part of the deaf community and gain support from their classmates.

Further, a specialist deaf school generally has a better environment for kids to learn, including smaller classroom sizes, enhanced visuals, deaf-friendly classroom layout, and assistive technology.

The state specific laws of the Deaf Child Bill of Rights recognize the unique needs of deaf children in relation to communication and language development.

These are stages for a deaf child’s learning and development:

Newborns

A child’s earliest years are among the most critical for their development and growth. This is the time when babies start to learn language and social skills, learning from their parents and the environment around them.

During this stage, deaf children should start to develop communication skills, ideally in ASL (sign language). Deaf babies should start to understand and respond to parents and should be able to produce basic signs to communicate as early as six months of age.

Toddlers

Some schools for deaf children offer sessions for young deaf children to develop a strong foundation in language skills from an early age.

Programs may focus on how to teach deaf children to communicate with sign language. They may offer support for developing speaking and listening skills. Audiology services may be included.

Some programs include play sessions, where deaf children can meet other deaf youngsters and have fun. Being with other young deaf people can enhance deaf children learning and development.

It can also provide an opportunity for parents of deaf children to meet other parents in a similar situation and gain support and encouragement.

Pre-Schoolers

Activities for pre-schoolers continue to teach deaf children vital language and communication skills. The aim is to prepare children for when they enter full-time education.

At this age, children will start to learn a variety of subjects in addition to building language skills. Parents can expect their children to start learning, for example, basic mathematics, science, art, and information technology.

Educators will work on teaching a deaf child to read. To develop skills in literacy deaf children usually begin learning how to write more complex words. Pre-school curriculums typically include activities for physical and social development too.

Elementary School to High School

When comparing deaf children schools, parents and students have a number of options. They include:

Day schools
Residential boarding schools
Specialist programs

Deaf children education through elementary school, middle school, and high school follows the same curriculum as in mainstream schools, with students building skills in core academic areas (like math, science, and language) and elective subjects.

Alongside everyday schooling, deaf children in middle school continue to develop their ASL skills in order to have the language necessary for ongoing learning.

Deaf children in school are encouraged to become more independent. Children start to explore their own interests and may take part in diverse extra-curricular activities, including sports for deaf children. Socially, children form friendship groups that may last for the rest of their lives.

In high school, deaf adolescents consider their future goals, and take steps to achieve their dreams. Students continue to build language and academic skills, as well as being supported to tailor their learning to their specific interests.

High school students may begin preparing for admission to college. They may start preparations for admission to vocational courses and similar.

They may undertake training relevant for joining the workforce directly after completing their schooling. Essentially, they focus on what they want to do in life after completion of American deaf school.

Games and Toys For Deaf Children

When raising a deaf child hearing parents typically want as much deaf-friendly enrichment for their kids as possible.

Specifically designed for development and fun, children and baby deaf toys and games are ideal for young curious minds. Both parents and children can enjoy playing together, thus also creating a sense of comfort for children.

Stimulating toys and games are also great for independent play. Toys with bright lights and movement help engage deaf toddlers.

Memory games and puzzles are particularly great for encouraging development, and team sports with clearly defined rules are perfect for older children to enjoy with other kids and keep fit.

At home, parents can enjoy myriad activities with their deaf children. Ideas include simple cookery, I-spy games, spot the difference, dressing up, gardening, playing shop, and arts and crafts.

Six great toys and games for deaf children of varying ages include:

Game: Caterpillar Activity Balls
Creator/Author: Kidsii
Brand: Baby Einstein
Ages Suitable For:  0 – 3 months
Educational purpose of the game: Encourages hand-eye coordination
Description: Five multi-sensory balls stimulate interest, with a different activity inside each ball. Balls are colorful with moving parts inside, and are easy for small hands to hold and roll.

Game: 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play, Mat and Activity Gym
Creator/Author: Bright Starts
Brand: Bright Starts
Ages Suitable For: 0 – 36 months
Educational purpose of the game: Babies can discover new textures and colors while having fun
Description: The stimulating and safe 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play, Mat and Activity Gym adapts as a child gets older. For babies, it offers a lay-flat mat with plenty of sensory stimulation, from flashing lights to the activity bar with rattles, crinkles, diverse textures and captivating toys. The sides can be raised to contain a child in a safe space and it can be filled with balls for plenty of throwing and moving fun.

Game: See Me Ball
Creator/Author: Edushape
Brand: Edushape
Ages Suitable For:  6 – 12 months
Educational purpose of the game: Develops coordination
Description: The soft, textured sensory ball is colorful and easy to hold, push, and bounce.

Game: Poppin’ Pals
Creator/Author: Playskool
Brand: Playskool
Ages Suitable For: 9 – 18 months
Educational purpose of the game: Develops fine motor skills, introduce animals, shapes, and colors
Description: Children use a variety of actions, such as sliding pushing, twisting, and pushing, to operate switches, keys, and levers to make colorful animals pop up.

Game: Toddler Bead Maze
Creator/Author: Top Bright
Brand: Top Bright
Ages Suitable For:  1 – 2 years
Educational purpose of the game: Develops fine motor skills
Description: Bright and colorful with plenty of moving parts, the Toddler Bead Maze features a large airplane and animal-face beads. Toddlers can pull a string to make the propellers spin and have fun moving the beads to different positions. It can be attached to a crib by magnet.

Game: Big Dinosaurs Floor Puzzle
Creator/Author: Orchard Toys
Brand: Orchard Toys
Ages Suitable For:  4 – 8 years
Educational purpose of the game: Develops hand-eye coordination, logic, and pattern matching, and encourages imagination
Description: The 50-piece floor puzzle has large multi-colored dinosaur images to capture children’s attention.

Deaf Cartoons

As with books, cartoons can be ideal ways to engage deaf children, encourage learning, have fun, and help build self-confidence.

The best deaf cartoons feature deaf characters that young people can relate to, include ASL, or both. Some may have subtitles. As with all children’s cartoons, they are usually packed full of action and fun characters that have exciting adventures.

Here are some recommended cartoons to engage deaf children:

Cartoon: I Am Puff
Suitable for Ages:  3 – 7 years
Description: Created by a deaf-led team and presented by a deaf actress, I Am Puff features colorful animations and live action to deal with many issues surrounding deafness. Topics include deaf culture, learning sign, and deaf identity. Shows include ASL and spoken English.

Cartoon: My Go! Sign Language for Kids
Suitable for Ages:  2 – 10 years
Description: My Go! Sign Language for Kids transforms popular kids’ cartoons to be accessible for deaf children. Deaf children can enjoy the same favorite cartoons as their hearing peers, but with ASL interpreters at the side so they don’t miss any of the exciting action or storylines. Cartoons include Blippi, Morphle, Buster, and Little Baby Bum.

Cartoon: Deaf Planet
Suitable for Ages: 5 – 10 years
Description: Educational and entertaining, Deaf Planet appeals to deaf and hearing kids alike, with a combination of spoken English and ASL used by characters who are deaf and hearing.

Resources for Parents of Deaf Children

We’ve covered various resources for deaf children, including books, toys, and cartoons.

There are also many excellent resources for parents of deaf children, covering a wide range of topics such as how to help children to develop and learn, how to communicate with children, how to reassure children, and how to manage stress in the family.

Having access to broad resources can often help parents to feel less overwhelmed and able to care for their deaf child in the most positive ways.

Here are some top ideas to help parents on their ongoing learning journey:

Websites & Blogs:

Health Information:

Education Information:

211 Child Development Infoline (for referral to CT's Birth-to-Three Program)
American School for the Deaf (one of Connecticut’s three specialty Birth to Three programs)
CREC Soundbridge (one of Connecticut’s three specialty Birth to Three programs)
New England Center for Hearing Rehabilitation (one of Connecticut’s three specialty Birth to Three programs)
Gallaudet's Clerc Center
National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology

Relevant Agencies (Nationwide and State Specific):

Apps:

Apps can help parents and deaf children with hearing and signing.

Sound Match: Plays sounds for toddlers to try to identify
Things You Can Hear: Plays common sounds for toddlers to identify
Smart Hands: A dictionary app for parents to teach their babies and toddlers basic signs
Little Ears: Toddlers match sounds to common objects
Signed Stories: Videos of children’s stories read in sign language
VL2 Storybook Apps: richly visual and bilingual in ASL & English

Books:

This is a diverse collection of books to support and educate parents of deaf children, provide information and ideas, read with kids, and other topics related to deafness and raising a deaf child.

Raising and Educating a Deaf Child: a Comprehensive Guide to the Choices, Controversies, and Decisions Faced by Parents and Educators, 3rd Edition. Marc Marschark
My First 101 WORDS, Simon Abbott
1, 2, 3 to the Zoo: A Counting Book, Eric Carle
Sign Me Up for a Happy Home, Elise Tate
I’m the Boss of My Hearing Loss!, Amy Kroll
Evidence-Based Practices in Deaf Education, Marc Marschark and Harry Knoors
Kid-friendly Parenting with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, Daria J. Medwid and Denise Chapman Weston
Psychological Development of Deaf Children, Marc Marschark
Your Child's Hearing Loss: What Parents Need to Know, Debby Waldman and Jackson Roush
Language and Literacy Development in Children who are Deaf, Barbara R. Schirmer
How Deaf Children Learn: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know, Marc Marschark and Peter C. Hauser
Made to Hear: Cochlear Implants and Raising Deaf Children, Laura Mauldin
Literacy and Your Deaf Child: What Every Parent Should Know, Bryan R. Clarke and David Stewart
Deaf Again, Mark Drolsbaugh
The Care and Education of a Deaf Child: A Book for Parents, Pamela Knight and Ruth Swanwick
The Parenting Journey: Raising Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children, Karen Putz
When Your Child is Deaf: A Guide for Parents, Antonia Maxon and David Luterman
The Baby Signing Book, Sara Bingham
Teach Your Baby to Sign, Monica Beyer
Helping Children Who Are Deaf, Sandy Niemann, Devorah Greenstein, and Darlena David
Reading between the Lips: a Totally Deaf Man Makes it in the Mainstream, Lew Golan
A Journey into the Deaf-World, Harlan Lane, Robert Hoffmeister, and Ben Baha
Seeing Voices, Oliver W. Sacks

Schools:

With a few exceptions, most states have a state school for the deaf. The following is a sample of recommended schools for deaf children.

Birth-to-Three Program

ASD's Birth-to-Three Program provides statewide comprehensive home and community-based services for deaf and hard of hearing infants and children (from birth to age three) and their families. We provide families with accurate, unbiased information regarding hearing loss, cochlear implants, hearing aids, and all communication approaches available from American Sign Language to listening/spoken language. Services are provided year-round with flexible hours to meet the needs of each family. The ASD Birth-to-Three Program is approved as a hearing specialty provider within the State of Connecticut Birth-to-Three Delivery System.

ASD's Birth-to-Three Program is the only birth-to-three program in the country that includes services for Children of Deaf Adults. For more information about ASD's Birth-to-Three Program, please contact Coordinator Stephanie McClellan at 860-570-2393 or Stephanie.mcclellan@asd-1817.org.

Learn More about the ASD Birth-to-Three Program

Baby Monitors for Deaf Parents

Hearing parents with deaf children don’t need to worry about needing a special baby monitor for deaf infants; their children will make noises when they awake and the parents can hear the noises using the same monitors as a parent of a hearing child would use.

Other monitors, such as those that sound an alarm if a baby stops breathing, can also be used by hearing parents.

Deaf parents, however, will not be able to hear their child (hearing or deaf) when they wake up. Baby monitors for the deaf use other ways of alerting parents that their baby is awake, such as through visual displays or by vibrations.

Deaf parents also need alternative alert methods for other types of monitors, such as those that check breathing, heart rate, or movement.

Different parents will prefer different types of monitors. Ultimately, whether a monitor provides alerts through extra loud sound, vibrations, or lights, and whether a monitor includes video or only alerts, the best baby monitor for deaf parents is the one that effectively notifies them of issues with their child and that they feel comfortable using to monitor their baby.

These baby monitors have been recommended by deaf parents:

Product: SereneLife SLBCAM550– wearable deaf baby monitor
Brand: SereneLife
Main Features/Benefits:
- Smart watch monitor that displays video from camera in baby’s room, date, time, and alarm clock. Talk-back function available to soothe baby with voice. Battery is rechargeable and the watch has a range of 850 feet.
-  Night vision camera provides a clear video of baby at all times, day or night.
-  Thermometer built into camera to monitor the temperature in baby’s room.
-  Pre-programmed music and lullabies to soothe babies and encourage sleep.

Product: VTech TM8212 – vibrating baby monitor for deaf parents
Brand: VTech
Main Features/Benefits:
- Parent unit can be clipped to a belt and has a vibrating alert that deaf parents can feel.
-  Parent unit displays the level of sound from baby’s room using LEDs, allowing deaf parents to see whether their child is making a lot or a little noise.
-  The two-way talk-back intercom allows parents to soothe children with their voice from another room.
- Baby unit features a soothing night light that projects stars onto the bedroom ceiling.

Product: Nanit Pro Camera – smart phone connected baby monitor for the deaf
Brand:  Nanit
Main Features/Benefits:
– Connects to smart phone, tablet, and other Android / Apple devices for live video streaming of baby via wide-angled wall-mounted camera.
– Sends alerts to devices; deaf parents can set up vibrating alerts for notifications and then read alert messages.
– Includes a breathing band with notifications sent to devices.
– Monitors room temperature and humidity for a comfortable sleep.

Product: BC400 Baby Cry Signaler – Baby cry signaler deaf parents
Brand: Sonic Alert
Main Features/Benefits:
– Connects with other Sonic Alert products, such as super loud alarm clocks, bed shakers, and table-top receivers to alert deaf parents when their baby is crying.
– Adjustable sensitivity control to detect noises in baby’s room.
– No flashing lights on signaler that could disturb baby.
– Some receivers (bought separately) use vibrations and some use lights, ensuring parents always know when their baby is crying.

Product: Cubo AI Smart Baby Monitor – video baby monitor for deaf parents
Brand: Cubo
Main Features/Benefits:
– Sends alerts to smart phone when baby is crying; parents can set phone notifications to vibrate.
– Streams live video to smart phone and has 18 hours of playback.
– Night vision camera means parents can always visually check on babies.
– AI technology monitors baby’s wellbeing while they sleep.

Product: Summer Infant Babble Band—wearable baby monitor for deaf parents

Brand: Albee Baby

Main Features/Benefits:

– Soft wristband that adjusts to fit both mom and dad comfortably.

– 3 monitoring modes: audio, vibration and sound lights only.

– Baby unit audio transmitter doubles as recharging base for band.

– Range up to 800-ft., 243.84m

– Rechargeable battery, with up to 8-hours of continuous use

Societies and Organizations for Deaf Children

In addition to resources already detailed, there are several societies and organizations for deaf children and their parents.

Such societies and organizations can be terrific sources of information. They may facilitate online and in-person local and national deaf children and parent support groups. They may arrange activities, such as deaf camp, for hard-of-hearing youngsters.

Overall, deaf-focused societies and organizations help to provide a sense of solidarity among the deaf community of all ages.

American Society for Deaf Children

Established in 1967 as an organization for parents to help other parents, the American Society for Deaf Children (sometimes also referred to as the American Society of Deaf Children) has grown to become a major source of information for anyone involved in a deaf child’s life.

Resources are wide-ranging, and the organization offers online sign classes and facilitates ASL weekends.

National Deaf Children’s Society

The National Deaf Children’s Society is a leading British charity. They work within the deaf community, raise awareness of deaf issues, run various projects, and offer information and support.

They have an international arm too—Deaf Child Worldwide—that aims to help deaf children and their families in developing countries across the globe.

National Association of the Deaf

The National Association of the Deaf (sometimes referred to as the American Deaf Association or National Deaf Association) is an American organization that works to promote equality and fairness for all members of the deaf community.

The National Assoc. of the Deaf advocates for the rights of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. They have a law and advocacy center that advises on discrimination and legally related deaf issues.

National Cued Speech Association

The National Cued Speech Association is a society for the deaf that focuses on the advancement of cued speech.

As distinct from ASL, cued speech is not a sign language; rather, it assists people to read English better and get greater proficiency in English by using hand shapes for the different phonemic components of English.

The goal is that deaf individuals can communicate effectively in the language of their family and society.

American Speech Language and Hearing Association

The American Speech Language and Hearing Association is a professional and scientific body that gives credentials and certification to professionals working in the areas of speech, language, and hearing.

Members include speech therapists, language therapists, audiologists, scientists who work in areas related to speech, language, and hearing, speech-language pathologists, and similar.

American Academy of Audiology

The American Academy of Audiology is the biggest professional organization of audiologists in the world. They provide ongoing training and development for members, conduct valuable research, educate and inform on hearing disorders, and raise public awareness of deaf issues.

National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management

The National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management is located at Utah State University.

They operate as the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention National Technical Resource Center, providing support to all Early Detection and Intervention agencies and programs across the country.

The aim is to ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing children are diagnosed as early and promptly as possible. The organization assists programs with training, technical support, information, and partnership opportunities.

Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University, located in Washington, D.C., Is the only university in the world that provides all courses and services to accommodate deaf students.

The university offer Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate courses in diverse disciplines, with programs including accounting, education, mathematics, history, business administration, chemistry, physics, biology, government, art and media, psychology, philosophy and religion, sociology, theatre arts, and Spanish.

AG Bell

AG Bell is a support network and resource for anyone with hearing loss. They also advocate for deaf people and promote the use of hearing technology and spoken language for deaf children.

CT Hands and Voices

CT Hands and Voices supports all families with a deaf or hard-of-hearing child, regardless of methodology or communication methods used.

The deaf society seeks to ensure all deaf children reach their highest potential, through networking opportunities, advocacy, resources, and information, all aimed at empowering children and improving educational success and access for kids.

CT Family Support Network

CT Family Support Network offers supports to all families raising a child with additional needs. They provide training, online and in-person support groups, resources, and opportunities for parents to connect.

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center

Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center provides information and support to families with a child who has any disability or chronic illness. The organization seeks to empower parents to be the best advocates for their children, and offers outreach services and workshops, teacher training, and information.

CT Speech, Language and Hearing Association

CT Speech, Language and Hearing Association aims to improve services for people with communication disorders and their families.

They serve audiology and speech-language professionals in Connecticut, help to raise public awareness, and provide professional development opportunities.

They advocate for the rights of people with communicative issues, encourage research in relevant areas, and disseminate clinical and scientific information to improve programs and services.

PATH CT Parent to Parent Help

PATH CT Parent to Parent Help provides information, support, and hope to families by connecting and empowering people living with disabilities and their families.

They offer various training sessions and support programs, including outreach services, information, educational support, one-on-one support, advocacy, help understanding the healthcare system, and more.

Deaf Baby or Deaf Child Adoption

There are diverse reasons why people may want to adopt a deaf child.

It may be that deaf parents want a deaf child because they are more comfortable with the idea of raising a child in deaf culture and feel they have the relevant skills to support a deaf child in their family.

It could be that a family already has experience of raising a deaf child and would like to share their love and experience with another dead daughter or son.

It could be that a family already has experience raising a deaf child and would like to share their love and experience with another deaf daughter or son.

Perhaps a family wants to support a child with additional needs and at least one of the parents is already knowledgeable in ASL.

The basic process to adopt a deaf child starts much like any other adoption application.

First, people should consider long and hard their reasons for wanting to adopt, specifically the reasons for adopting a deaf child, be realistic about how they plan to support their child, and consider what support systems are available for deaf children in their local area.

Once people are committed to adoption, they should contact adoption agencies to ensure they meet their criteria.

Different agencies have different rules over who can and cannot adopt; it is up to individual agencies to create their own criteria, so long as they are compliant with state laws.

State laws vary too. Potential adoptive parents will need to fully research requirements and options.

In general, adoption agencies require a minimum income level to ensure that a family can adequately financially support a new child. Adoption agents will want to see that any child will have their own bedroom and a suitable living environment.

Some agencies have requirements regarding marital status—there are those that will only consider married couples, those that will adopt to unmarried partners, and others that allow single people to adopt.

Specifically related to deaf adoption, prospective parents will be required to show that they are capable of raising a child with hearing loss.

Deaf Baby Adoption

As many baby adoptions are often finalized prior to birth, and deafness is diagnosed after birth, there are relatively few deaf babies within the adoption system.

People can register their preferences with specialist adoption agencies, although there may be a long wait.

Once people do welcome a deaf baby into their family, they will receive all necessary support from relevant deaf agencies in order to help them raise their child.

Deaf Child Adoption:

There are two main ways to adopt a deaf child: through the foster care system and privately. Costs are significantly lower when adopting through the foster care system, though private agencies may have shorter waiting times and faster processes.

When looking into deaf adoption, also make sure that your chosen agency has experience of such adoptions. They should offer support and counselling to all parties to the adoption, including the child, and offer legal services with a reputable adoption lawyer.

Fostering a Deaf Child

Deaf children in foster care unfortunately tend to have a much more difficult time than hearing children.

Whether someone is a regular fosterer, are just starting out on their fostering journey, or are hoping to eventually adopt through the foster system, patient, stable, and kind foster parents are always welcomed.

Deaf kids in the foster system have different levels of hearing loss and different ways to communicate. Some are profoundly deaf while some have a degree of hearing.

Some use hearing aids to assist with hearing and some have cochlear implants. Some communicate through speech, some use ASL, some can lip read … there are many diverse factors to consider.

While having some knowledge of ASL is immensely useful to foster a deaf child, it isn’t always necessary.

Essentially, as long as you have a method of communicating with the child, have support in place, and can provide a secure and nurturing home environment, anyone (who meets necessary general requirements for fostering) can foster a deaf child.

FAQs

I just found out my child is deaf, what do I do?

Contact your local Birth to Three agency to begin early intervention services as quickly as possible. Discuss your child’s hearing loss and potential future outcomes with their paediatrician and audiologist.

Ask professionals about any hearing devices that may be suitable for your child. Begin learning sign language; courses aimed at parents of deaf children are recommended.

Research deafness to gain a better understanding of your child’s situation.

What do you do if your child is deaf?

When you’ve covered all bases with regards to starting early intervention services, discussing your child’s deafness with medical professionals, and beginning to learn ASL, simply treat your baby as you would any other infant!

Talk to your baby, play with them, hug them, nurture them … The early intervention team can guide you in becoming the best expert to advocate for your child.

What are education options for my deaf child?

Your child has the same educational and academic potential as a hearing child, providing they have solid language skills. Each child is different.

Some flourish in mainstream education, with the assistance of hearing technology and / or interpreters, whereas others are more likely to reach their potential in a deaf school.

Being deaf is not a limitation to a good education, going to college, and achieving professional success.

How do I teach my deaf baby sign language?

The best way for a parent to teach their baby to sign is for them to learn ASL from a deaf native signer.

Use signs frequently and consistently and your baby will learn naturally, as a hearing child does with a spoken language. Expose your child to sign in other ways too, such as TV shows and cartoons.

Try to encourage others in your close circle to learn sign and use it with you and your child. Deaf mentors can be great teachers for both parents and children as they learn to sign.

Do deaf babies sleep more?

All babies, hearing and deaf, are unique. In general, deaf babies sleep no more than hearing infants.

Studies indicate that deaf children may take longer to fall asleep than hearing children, wake less frequently throughout the night but stay awake longer when they do wake up, and may sleep later in the morning to compensate for lost sleep throughout the night.

On average, however, the total sleeping time is the same for deaf and hearing children.

Final Thoughts

Early intervention and language acquisition are two of the most crucial aspects when raising a deaf child. Deafness comes in many forms and each child and family has individual needs.

Parents have a wealth of support and resources at their disposal to assist them in raising their child to lead life to their fullest potential.

From books and games for deaf children to special schools for the deaf, deaf camps, and mentors, there are many tools and services to help parents and educators.

With the right support, deaf children, whether biological or adopted, can have the same opportunities as their hearing peers and lead a fulfilling and successful life.

Short Summary of ASD’s Programs/Schooling Options…

PACES:

ASD’s PACES program was the first such program in the USA. It is a residential program for deaf and hard of hearing children who also have emotional or behavioral issues that prevent them from receiving an education in a regular setting.

Available for young people between the ages of 6 and 22, the program provides individual education plans that firstly focus on therapy and treatment, with mental health professionals working with kids for positive results.

Pre-School:

Preschool through grade five offers a lively, supportive and language-rich environment tailored to the needs of each student.

Middle School:

Grades six through eight provide continued development in core areas while encouraging each student’s interests and abilities.

High School:

Grade nine through twelve students will fulfil their town requirements while achieving the goals and expectations reflected in their IEPs.

Camp Isola Bella:

The American School for the Deaf’s summer camp, Camp Isola Bella, has been serving deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, and CODAS (Children of Deaf Adults), since 1964. Located in Salisbury, Connecticut, its 29 acres offers children from ages 8-18 a wide variety of educational and recreational pursuits during the summer months.

Isola Bella offers campers a safe, friendly environment to learn, socialize and interact with their peers, building self-identity, confidence and leadership skills through daily activities. The camp curriculum aims to provide educational opportunities in a non-academic setting to reduce the risk of academic regression during the summer months. A typical day at the camp includes classes in waterfront, archery, arts & crafts and camp studies. Campers can come from all over the US but most are from New England states.

View Our Academic Programs

Find the resources best suited to your needs. Take an in-depth look at the academic programs offered by the American School for the Deaf.

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