It's really important to find out early if your baby has a hearing loss. We encourage you to contact the Ontario Association of the Deaf or a Provincial School for the Deaf. Undetected hearing loss can cause delays in your baby's learning to talk and language development. We will help your child to learn in many ways with language.
What about sign language?
There are so many benefits for a baby utilizing Baby Sign Language; it is hard for
some enthusiasts to understand why more parents are not teaching their infants this
particular form of communication. Everyone has had moments in their lives when they
could not communicate their needs in a way others could understand. The result is
a level of frustration beyond compare. Babies are the same as adults in this regard.
Wanting something and being unable to explain what exactly is wanted frequently results
in loud crying, utter frustration, and/or tantrums. The first benefit of using Baby
Sign Language is it gives your baby the ability to express his or her important needs
and thoughts. Research has shown that acquisition of a strong foundation in a language
during pre-
What about speech?
They can learn to speak but there is no hurry. It is important that the baby first has input from sign language; then he/she will have a language foundation so he/she can learn more languages or speak. Once a deaf child has begun to ease their frustration in communicating by utilizing ASL, they are then better prepared to move on to acquire English skills.
Updated statistics show a high percentage of Deaf people who were not using sign language, did not enroll in university because of low education. That is why OAD continues to lobby with the government for Deaf children for a better life (includes best education and best qualified career choice)
What about Cochlear Implants?
It is not always the best answer. We have no resulting information to show positive benefits outweighing the negative aspects. We also have received many complaints. We do not support the Cochlear Implant programs for Deaf Infants. Teens or adults who have a hearing loss or deafness may choose to try Cochlear Implants. It will improve their hearing, but not restore it 100 percent. Many doctors encourage parents to sign papers for their infant to have the operation for a Cochlear Implant including papers that you will not sue the doctor or hospital etc. Most teens are not happy with the outcome. One of the victims wished to sue their own parents for allowing the doctor to put a Cochlear Implant on his/her ear without his/her consent. Of course babies don’t understand about their rights until their teen years. The parents however, are not at fault because they may have received inaccurate information and false hope from doctors, social workers, and other well meaning professionals. The Deaf community will support the parent’s choice, but they would like to make sure that the parents have a full understanding of all options including the benefits of the acquisition of American Sign Language (ASL).
The sooner hearing loss is identified, the better. There are many services available to help deaf children. Finding out early means that they can get the help they need right away. This gives them the opportunity to develop language skills immediately.
What is Deaf Culture?
First, we should look at the definition of culture in general; patterns, traits, attitudes, and intellectual/artistic activity associated with a population. Based on this definition, the deaf community can be said to have its own unique culture. Deaf and hard of hearing people produce plays, books, artwork, magazines, and movies targeted to deaf and hard of hearing audiences. In addition, the deaf community engages in social and political activities exclusive to the deaf community. Deaf culture is a living, growing, changing entity as new activities are developed and the output of intellectual works increases.
If you think that your child is having problems developing language, it's important to get help right away. Learning sign language early can:
· improve your child's readiness for school
· improve your child's self-
· prevent problems from getting worse
· help your child get along with others
· decrease frustration
· reduce behavioural problems
Advice for you, DON’T push your infant to practice listening and talking.
Learning to communicate with your deaf child using ASL will benefit them by enhancing and increasing their communication skills. It also contributes toward creating a closer bond by sharing ASL together.
The most important thing you can give your child is your LOVE and SUPPORT.
There are some links for you to learn more...
If you find out your baby has a hearing loss, you need to understand how to communicate with him/her.
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