The Gift of ASL

This blog was primarily created to educate hearing parents and families who have been blessed with deaf children . Also to encourage and enlighten them on the many opportunities that a deaf child has .

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ASL Classes: Despite of considering to have or proceeded with the informed decision in having a cochlear implant or hearing aid device for your child. Should not discourage families to evolve into American Sign Language skills. There are many ways to get involved into the ASL community to learn sign language whether it be ASL, PSE, SEE. Be an Angel is a huge organization in the Houston area with 30 years of service . They assist children with multiple disabilities or profound deafness. 215 children received hearing aids last year because of the 20 million raised within this non profit organization. This organization has a sign up for ASL classes so that the family can be just as involved.

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Provided are some locations in the Houston area for ASL education for the deaf, hard of hearing , and families. Opportunities are available and options in learning American Sign Language for general knowledge or degree for career path. • Lone Star College- North Harris Interpreter Training Technology Program Charles Trevino -professor 2700 W.W. Thorne A160C, Houston, Tx 77073 Video: 281-618-5535 Phone:[phone] E-mail: Charles. D. [email protected] northeharris.lonstar.edu LSC-CyFair LSC-Kingwood • Career and Recovery Resources Free ASL Training -For Clients, Families, friends and to the public Contact: 832-431-3785 video Phone: [phone] Location: 2525 San Jacinto St @McGowen Houston, Tx 77002 DHHS program: English Literacy, Computer Literacy, Employment • Texas Hands and Voices “What works for your child is what makes the choice right!” Guide by Your Side P.O.BOX 2208 Cypress, Tx, 77410 Phone: [phone] Http://www.txhandsandvoice.org • West University Recreation Center 4210 Bellaire Blvd Houston, Tx 77025 Mom and baby Sign Language Classes in Houston: By: Rachael Cherry,17 Aug. 2017 https://mommypopins.com/houston-kids/classes- enrichment/mom-and-sign-language-classes-in-houston • Houston Community College 3100 MainStreet, Houston, Tx 77002 • University of Houston 3623 Cullen, Suite 301 McElhanney Building 3rd Floor, Houston, Tx, 77204 Phone: [phone] Video: 832-413-6262 • Online- Signing Online ASL instructions https://signonline.com • Star ASL- The fun way to learn American Sign Language, for Free! https://www.startasl.com/

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There are many benefits to learning American Sign Language for your child and family. •Brings connection and bondage with communication • Builds self-identity and confidence • Excelling in school with developed ASL skills • The younger the better start with gestures at new born (7months of age child should be communicating with gestures for desires) • Connecting with the hearing world in many forms

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IDEA (The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) contributes it importance’s to society, by providing parents, families of deaf children to educational opportunity and exposure of American Sign Language. Classes for parents whose child(ren) are identified as deaf are able to find help at request through early intervention system. However, Classes, learning materials for communication and curriculum for growth in language continue to expand, even just for general knowledge or career base.

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Mainstream : Public Schools Pros: 1. Students get to stay home and bond and cherish with family and school friends . 2. Generally they learn and understand how the educational system is structured. Cons: 1. Not being accepted by peers 2. Not being able to keep up with the education curriculum. 3. Communication barrier between teachers who aren’t familiar with ASL or sign language

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Mainstream Schools:Public Schools MAJOR KEY ALERT🔑: Be sure to check into local school districts and administrators to see what they offer deaf children. Sometimes their funding is limited.

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Oral day and sign schools Pros: 1. Children are around other children with similar needs. 2. Education is tailored to meet deaf students needs Cons: 1. The availability is always on a waiting list 2. The location is always far or usually in higher populated areas 3. Expenses are usually out of wack

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Residential School Pros 1. Students are around other deaf students. 2. Education is designed to meet the needs of deaf children. 3. Sign language is usually incorporated 4. More extra curricular activities offered and opportunities 5. Strong deaf role models and mentors Cons 1. Students/Children are away from home and families for long periods of time.. 2. Family isolation 3. Expenses are usually involved

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Education. When researching educational programs for deaf children it's best to find out who the program is intended for and who teaches it. Deaf children have many opportunities to choose from as a benefit of being deaf. Some of the options for education. Early Interventions

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Cochlear Implant What is a cochlear implant? A cochlear implant- is an implantable electronic device that convert sound waves to electrical impulses, stimulating the auditory nerve notifying the brain allowing sound to be heard. Considering the best options and opportunities for your child’s future is incredibly important. Research the advantages and disadvantages as to making the most inform decision.

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Cochlear Implant

PROS​ 1. Deaf child will be able to hear and develop communication as to speech, lip reading being able to participate in the hearing world and school. 2. Capable to control own voice vibrations and sounds from low, medium and high frequency. 3. Equipped to hear Tv, music and talk on phone. CONS 1. Possible nerve damage to the face 2. Possibility of leaks of fluid around the brain. 3. Meningitis, infections at high risk. Vaccine recommended. 4. Ear infections and bleeding 5. Possible outcome of failure of

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http://deafhhcenter.org/benefits-of-asl-for-hearing-children/ TheDeafNetworkofTexas.com was very useful and resourceful. Listed were many high schools, colleges, universities, local churches, private business, organizations that offer ASL classes. Get involved in the Deaf community.

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It’s imperative that you check your resources available !!

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ADVICE: Most Deaf and Hard of Hearing children have parents who are not deaf or hard of hearing. 92% of Deaf children are from hearing families. The other 8% have at least one deaf parent. This causes so many issues because often hearing parents are uninformed about the effective communication strategies. Parents MUST research and weight options on education and communication options, depending on the medical advice given. So much time could past before parents could decide on an option, which could result in a delay in communication. I strongly encourage early language development and getting a head start on pre-reading skills. This skill will benefit children with hearing aids, cochlear implants, deaf or hearing. Studies show that children are more like to develop language skills faster and will reduce communication frustration. There are multiple different places and ways a deaf parent could learn ASL. 🤟🏾