Family ASL: An Early Start to Equitable Education for Deaf Children
Diane C Lillo-Martin1, Elaine Gale2, Deborah Chen Pichler3
1Department of Linguistics, University of Connecticut, 365 Fairfield Way, Unit 1145; Storrs CT 06269-1145.
Topics in Early Childhood Special Education
|September 28, 2023
Summary
Early sign language exposure protects deaf children from language deprivation without harming spoken language development. This paper addresses societal biases and offers strategies for parents and professionals to support language acquisition in deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Developmental Psychology
- Education
Background:
- Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children face educational barriers due to ableism and a lack of awareness regarding natural sign languages.
- Societal phonocentrism devalues sign language, wrongly associating it with hindered spoken language development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight societal biases against early sign language exposure for DHH children.
- To advocate for the benefits of natural sign language in preventing language deprivation.
- To provide actionable recommendations for parents and professionals.
Main Methods:
- This is a position paper, synthesizing existing research and expert opinion.
- It analyzes societal biases present in information provided to parents of DHH children.
- It proposes strategies for promoting early sign language acquisition.
Main Results:
- Early adoption of natural sign language protects DHH children from language deprivation risks.
- Sign language use does not endanger spoken language development.
- Societal biases often present misinformation to parents regarding sign language benefits.
Conclusions:
- Early exposure to natural sign language is crucial for DHH children's language development.
- Addressing societal biases and promoting informed decisions are essential.
- Parents and professionals can implement strategies to ensure timely language acquisition for DHH children.
More Related Videos
11:39Assessment of Audio-Tactile Sensory Substitution Training in Participants with Profound Deafness Using the Event-Related Potential Technique
Published on: September 7, 2022
2.2K
08:42A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
8.3K
Related Concept Videos
01:25Learning Disabilities
163
Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
163
01:22Language Development
393
Children master language quickly and with relative ease, supported by both biological predisposition and reinforcement. B. F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, while Noam Chomsky (1965) argued that language acquisition mechanisms are biologically determined.
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
393
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
121
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
121
01:31Hearing
52.5K
When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.
52.5K
01:30Community Based Intervention
57
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
57
01:29Intellectual Disability
67
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
67