How Can Our Family Build a Language Foundation?

Building a language foundation begins with connecting with your child and identifying their best possible way of accessing language. The Outreach Center at OCALI can assist you in finding professionals in your area or provide resources to learn about language and communication modes. Additionally, Deaf Services Centers in Ohio, audiologists, speech language pathologists (SLP), and teachers of the deaf (TOD) may be able to connect you to other resources to help build your family’s skills in the chosen language and communication modes. Your audiologist and SLP can provide the specific diagnostic information related to how your child accesses language.

Below are a few online resources which we hope will help you get started:

Setting Language in Motion: Family Supports and Early Intervention for Babies Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
This is a free online learning module developed by Children’s Hospital’s Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program and the Clerc Center at Gallaudet University. This online resource links research to evidence-based practices, helping the participant understand the what, how, and why of language practices for people who are D/HH.

Resources for Learning Sign Language
Accessible through OCALI’s Outreach Center’s website, the Sign School is a free online way to learn American Sign Language (ASL). The school provides the opportunity to connect virtually with a Deaf ASL Ambassador, an ASL app, ASL video dictionary, and more.

Spoken Language Habilitation: Considerations, Strategies, and Resources
This webpage was developed by Gallaudet University, a college specializing in D/HH studies and research. This resource focuses on improving spoken language skills and includes information about what is involved in the habilitation process, English language assessments, a communication competency checklist for SLPs and audiologists, strategies for teaching your child English, and online resources for working with your child at home to improve listening and speaking skills.

Hearing First
Hearing First is a multimedia connection point for families and professionals to improve outcomes for children who are D/HH through listening and spoken language. This site includes resources for listening and spoken language, a family support community, professional learning communities, and podcasts that include stories from families.