The Importance of Communication and Language Access

Language and communication skills are the building blocks for your child’s future. A solid foundation in these skills can support reading success, friendship building, future employment, and whole child development. When children have access to language, language learning happens naturally in the brain throughout the first early years of life. However, this period begins to close as your child ages. Deaf or hard-of-hearing children may not have automatic access to language, which is often based on sound. Therefore, it is important to plan for that access as soon as possible, so they too can experience natural language acquisition.

What is the Difference Between Communication and Language?

You may be wondering why we often use the terms language and communication together in the same sentence. Aren’t they the same? The truth is, language and communication are different, yet they are strongly connected. Language is a uniquely human ability we do not share with other animals, who communicate without a language. A language, by definition, requires a set of grammar structure and rules.

When children who are deaf/hard of hearing have access to language and communication, they can connect with other people and experience the world.

Tips for Creating a Language Rich Environment

1. Use Visual Supports

   • Consider using sign language, pictures, or print to support language.
   • Reinforce meaning with gestures, facial expressions, and body language.
   • Improve understanding by keeping eye contact with your child and ensuring they can see your face.

2. Encourage Interactive Communication

   • Respond to all communication attempts, even if imperfect, to help build confidence.
   • Pause to allow time for processing and turn-taking, which can encourage participation.
   • Engage in fun activities for language growth, like games, nursery rhymes, and storytelling together.
   • Read books often with your child to deepen understanding of new and familiar ideas and build their language and literacy skills.

3. Explore Assistive Technology

   • Check any used hearing assistive technology often to ensure it is working properly.
   • Set up captions on TV and videos, along with speech-to-text apps, to support literacy and language.

4. Create a Print-Rich Environment

   • Label objects, read together, and encourage drawing or storytelling to support literacy development.

5. Narrate and Expand Daily Activities

   • Talk about daily tasks, use repetitive phrases, and offer choices to naturally build vocabulary.
   • Provide experiences outside the home to introduce new concepts and language.

6. Encourage Play-Based Learning

   • Engage with toys, role-play, and interactive games to make communication fun and engaging.

7. Connect with DHH Role Models

   • Present opportunities to interact with Deaf mentors, peers, or community; this can be valuable for language exposure and social connection.

8. Advocate for Accessibility

   • Ensure school and social settings offer interpreters, captioning, or assistive tools to support communication.
   • Educate family, teachers, and caregivers on effective strategies that can foster inclusion.

What are some accessible language and communication choices? Visit this next section of the guide: Language and Communication Options to learn more.