This document is provided as an overview of issues a deaf or hard-of-hearing child and his or her family may encounter and to discuss resources for dealing with those issues. This document is only a starting point for discussing issues and pointing to resources, and is based on my research and experiences as a parent of a child who is profoundly deaf. Our family has personally experienced many of the things I discuss here. This document points out whenever possible the Missouri resources for the items discussed.
Some of the methods covered in this document are more promising than others for most deaf children to develop to their full potential and to have the most opportunities in life. Most deaf children are capable of developing speech and learning to listen if provided with appropriate assistive devices (hearing aids or cochlear implants) and if placed in appropriate educational settings (auditory-verbal, auditory-oral, or cued speech programs). If you place your deaf child in ASL, bilingual-bicultural, or total communication programs, there is increased liklihood that they will never be able to communicate in spoken English, will become dependent on sign language interpreters for the rest of their life, and face a life full of shortchanges on educational, social, and employment opportunities. Thoroughly examine the choices available to parents of deaf children.
This document attempts to provide accurate information about all methods, approaches, services, resources, and references in this document - pointing out the flaws as well as the positives. I attempt to keep the document current, but please let me know if you come across any information that is outdated.
Thanks to the various organizations that provided materials for review, including:
Thanks also to the numerous individuals who contributed to or reviewed this document.
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