choosing and learning a language 83
Resources that can help
How children who are deaf or cannot hear well learn a language will
depend on the child, the resources available, the families and caregivers,
and their communities. But it will be easier for parents and caregivers
to help children learn a language if they get support from each other,
from community organizations, from schools for the deaf, or from other
organizations.
We wish Lili could talk
like the rest of the
family and go to school
with her cousins.
The clinic
offered us a
free hearing
aid, but we
don’t know
if it will help
her.
Yan lost his hearing before he
learned to talk. So my deaf
neighbor taught him sign
language. He learned easily,
but it took a lot of practice for
the rest of the family.
It can be hard to decide what
will work best for Lili.
I sign and speak with my son. We
don’t always understand each
other, but we have fun trying!
Resources in the community can include:
• a deaf community, deaf clubs, or someone who can teach your child
and your family sign language.
• community-based rehabilitation programs, parents’ groups, and
other community-based groups.
• teachers in local schools, older deaf children, or others who are
willing to try to teach your deaf child.
• a school that can teach deaf children.
• books and videos about issues and themes of importance to deaf
people, experience of life as a deaf person, and stories about
successful deaf people.
• web pages and other resources on the internet that you can access
locally at a library, school, or internet cafe.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)