Purpose: Caregivers of deaf/hard of hearing infants are faced with challenging decisions regarding their child's communication method. The purpose of the current research note is to characterize the advice that caregivers receive and value as well as the factors that influence caregivers' decision making. Method: The current study enrolled 105…

Educators have long argued about the best ways for Deaf children to communicate and how they should be educated. The two notions are inseparable for Deaf students who most often learn language at school. Since the passing of IDEA, most Deaf students have moved from segregated schools to their neighborhood schools where all students might benefit…

Families with deaf parents and hearing children are often bilingual and bimodal, with both a spoken language and a signed one in regular use among family members. When interviewed, 13 American hearing adults with deaf parents reported widely varying language practices, sign language abilities, and social affiliations with Deaf and Hearing…

Choosing a method of communication for a child with hearing loss is a complex process that must occur early to prevent developmental consequences. Research shows that parents' decisions are influenced by professionals; parental attitudes and knowledge also may be influential. The present study investigated additional influences on parents'…

This survey of seven hearing families with deaf children examined parent understanding of Signed English and American Sign Language, reasons for choosing Signed English, experiences with professionals and with other deaf adults, challenges of developing fluency in Signed English, and parental evaluation of the results of their use of Signed…

Discusses partial-insertion cochlear implants and examines the aural rehabilitation of a 13-year-old girl who was postlingually deafened in 1991 and subsequently fitted with a Nucleus 22-Channel cochlear implant. The case study traces her progress and the decision making process in changing from aural communication to sign language communication.…

A study examined the decision making processes of 29 Hispanic families who have a child with hearing impairments. Results indicate language and cultural barriers often complicate deliberations of parents. The communication method chosen tended to be the one recommended by professionals, usually a combination of spoken English and sign language.…

This booklet provides information to families with young children who are deaf or hard of hearing to assist them with communication, socialization, and education choices. It provides: (1) a description of each of the various modes of communication available for use with and among children with are deaf or hard of hearing, including American Sign…

Case studies of two British families with deaf preschool children were conducted to identify factors that could influence parents' selection of a communication method. Factors included information provided to parents, perceptions of assistive technology, attitude of service professionals and educational authorities, and quality and availability of…