Deaf Children

Question: Why do deaf children start school so early? I have heard of several deaf children that have starting going to school when they are 2 or 3 yrs old. Why? Is it different state to state? I'm in michigan and was wondering if anyone knows about when a deaf child should start school here. Or if you have a timeline would be great too. Thanks.

Answer: Consider first, that 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents. Most of these parents don't find out that their child is deaf right away. They also (not all but the majority) don't learn sign language. This leaves the child with the chance for severe learning delays, due to lack of language acquisition. They start earlier so that they can learn sign language from a trained professional. This enables them to have a better start when they actually start schooling, and it gives them an opportunity to be around other deaf children and better socialization. I don't think there are any laws necessarily stating when deaf children have to begin school, but the wise parents choose to enroll them in school early, or learn sign language themselves. Hope this helps.

Question: How to pursue a career working with deaf children? I am really interested in pursuing a career working with deaf children. I am not sure what type of programs in school I would have to take? I am assuming social work, and than taking classes to learn how to speak sign language on my own? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer: If there is a school for the deaf near where you live contact them. As you mentioned, learning ASL is a must. Special Education is a great degree for working with deaf students and several universities offer special emphases in deaf education (the only one that pops into my mind at the moment is the University of Northern Colorado - but I have heard of others - they have an outstanding program there for it). While learning ASL make an effort to get involved in any local deaf communities, they are typically tight-knit and very willing to help other people understand their culture.

Question: Im writing a speech about deaf children. how should i start it? no im not gonna steal your words. thats illegal. but! so far i have hello my name is taylor bridges and ?.... now i want to tell the class about deaf CHILDREN but how can i word it to make it sound better than hello my name is taylor bridges and i want to talk to you about deaf children.

Answer: My youngest daughter is hearing-impaired and I can tell you that children like her are some of the most delightful and endearing children you'll ever meet! There is also a lot of frustration caused by not having all 5 senses like 'everyone else'. You can start out by introducing yourself and say "I'd like to talk to you about children who communicate a little differently than you do". Then you can stop talking and use a few sentences in sign language, have the room totally quiet so that they can sort of experience communication in the way deaf people do. When you speak to a deaf person, you can't just say, "Hey, Kara!" and expect them to turn around and look at you like you can with most people. You have to be in their sight or you have to get their attention in other ways, such as a gentle touch on the shoulder. Most people in the world don't use Sign Language. How would you feel if nobody else 'spoke' your language? Just some ideas you might want to use for your speech. Best wishes, and feel free to email or IM me if I can help!

Question: Is reading to deaf children a good way to do community service? I want to get into Harvard and need extra-currics, should I list reading to deaf children?

Answer: Sure. Take some blind kids to a movie, too. Silent films and those with subtitles are a plus. And paraplegics love roller skating.

Question: Where do I go to find volunteer opportunities with deaf children in my community? I know some American Sign Language and one day would like to be a deaf interpreter and work with deaf children. I think volunteering is a great way to get started and to learn more but I dont know how to find a place to volunteer, do I just call all the schools or daycares in my area and see if they have deaf children and need the help? I am located in NC I have taken several local sign language classes over the years however I know all that they teach in those calsses, I am just looking for a way to practice what I know while helping out my community.

Answer: What's your area? Deaf camps are a great way to volunteer and improve your signing, but I don't know what your area is, so I can't give you that info. Try googling the keywords "deaf camp ." Also it would help to network with other deaf people in your area to get leads on where you can do this. Go to one of the monthly or bi-monthly deaf socials that take place at a local Starbucks or coffeehouse. This website lists all of the deaf socials all over the USA for every state: http://www.deafchatcoffee.com There's a lot of them. It's also a great way to make new deaf friends and practice your signing skills. Deaf people are very social and friendly, so it's really easy to jump right into it. You can just ask everyone you meet if they know of any good places for you to volunteer or events that you can participate in. There's a Deaf Expo that travels all over the USA every year. This link has the information on the cities and dates it goes to. http://www.deafnation.com/page.php?id=439 If you happen to live near one of them, that's also a great opportunity to volunteer and also learn more about the Deaf culture. It's free to attend. Doing either or both will help open some doors for you in the Deaf community.

Question: Is it difficult to bring up deaf children? I went for a scan last week and the doctor said there is a 90% chance one of my twins will be born deaf and a 50% chance they'll both be deaf. I've never had any experience with deaf children at all, I don't know sign language or if they would cry at all.

Answer: my husband is mostly deaf (only 15% hearing) you figure it out, really. i don't want to sound so 'in your face', but mom and baby figure it out on their own. if the baby has any hearing it will be easier for the baby to cry. if there is absolutely no hearing the baby won't cry.

Question: How do you teach deaf children? I've got a job interveiw out of the blue to teach deaf children two days a week. I only have stage one BSL which is rather rusty, so how does it work? Do deaf classes have a translator? And what advic can you give me? Thanks I'm more interested in what support a non-signing teacher would have in the classroom. I have basic sign language ability which I'll obviously try to improve, but what support would I get? Thank you Charlotte, at last a sensible answer. I was wondering if you would be willing to communicate with me via msn or email as I would really like to get some advice of what to expect. I will enable my messaging in case you are willing. Any more answers folks?

Answer: my son goes to a school for deaf children he is in a class of 6 children with a teacher and 3/4 support staff. they help the children as well as the teacher. do remember that not all deaf children sign. as to the people who said to shout at them please remember that deaf people arent stupid they just cant hear!

Question: What does the 'ndcs' have to offer for deaf children? What support does it have that can help deaf children and their families cope. I'm doing a talk at school about a charity so i picked this one, my speech is already long but i need to know what the ndcs can do to help and support deaf children.

Answer: NDCS provides valuable information that could help you to protect your deaf child from danger. Our ‘Parenting tips' booklet contains a range of valuable advice and tips from parents of deaf children. The section on ‘Warning children of danger’ highlights how parents talk about the ways in which they guided their children through the dangers of everyday life. Whether it’s making your child aware of the dangers of heat, sharp objects, roads and stairs; or who they can turn to if they are lost, the key is good communication. You can also meet with other parents and professionals at our family weekends and parenting classes and discuss and share experiences of how best to teach your child to be aware of danger. NDCS also run an online forum – parent place – where parents can exchange information and support for each other on a whole range of practical and emotional issues. Our national freephone helpline is available to offer support and information on all issues around childhood deafness and there are over 100 publications available on this website. Families with deaf children can also access direct support from our family officers who are based all across the UK. Our mission is for a world without barriers for all deaf children.