Setting Language in Motion: Family Supports and Early Intervention for Babies Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

  • Learn about the importance of early language stimulation and explore language resources

    Learn About the Importance of Early Language Stimulation and Explore Language Resources

    Within Modules 1, 4, and 6, you can explore information on language milestones as well as on how to foster language learning in infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Handouts and resources are available for download within every module. 

  • Develop an understanding of how to engage your child visually for language learning

    Develop an Understanding of How to Engage Your Child Visually for Language Learning

    In Modules 4 and 6, you can explore how to engage your child in meaningful ways to establish a strong language foundation and encourage language growth.

  • Child with rabbit

    Become Informed About the Cochlear Implant Process

    In Module 5, you will learn about the criterion and things to consider regarding cochlear implants. Valuable parent interviews are contained that share real-life experiences throughout the decision-making process. 

  • Parents and children learning together

    Explore the Early Identification and Intervention Process While Learning Important Tips for Parents and Caregivers

    In Modules 1 and 7, information is shared about the early intervention process and the importance of family/caregiver support.  

  • Two-week-old sleeping infant

    See the Different Hearing Tests for Infants and Toddlers and Learn Hearing Aid Care Basics

    In Module 2, a number of topics are covered, including how the ear works, the types of tests given, and how to interpret test results. In Module 3, the focus is on hearing aids and how to troubleshoot problems. 

Setting Language in Motion: Family Supports and Early Intervention for Babies Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Brought to you by the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Boston Children's Hospital 

 
Setting Language in Motion: Family Supports and Early Intervention for Babies who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing is a free, web-based resource developed as a collaborative effort between the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Boston Children's Hospital. It is based on the Building Blocks of Intervention webinar series created by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at Children's.

The goal of Setting Language in Motion is to foster an understanding of the importance of early language acquisition that supports robust linguistic competence and conceptual development in children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Early intervention providers, deaf educators, early childhood specialists and allied professionals, parents, and other caregivers will benefit from this resource.

About the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program of Boston Children's Hospital

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program provides comprehensive evaluation and consultative services to deaf and hard of hearing children. Program professionals interact closely with the child's physician, school, and other applicable agencies. The team at the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program cares for more than 1,000 children and their families each year. This program is one of the largest and most experienced programs of its kind in the country.

About the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center

The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center, a division of Gallaudet University includes Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES), the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD), and associated research, evaluation, training, and dissemination services. The primary purpose of the Clerc Center is to fulfill the national mission of improving the quality of education afforded to deaf and hard of hearing students from birth through age 21 across the country.

Thank you to all of our project contributors

Language Choices

This resource is available in: American Sign Language (ASL), spoken English, and spoken Spanish. All versions are open captioned. 

Find Module Content:

Modules

The Overview provides a description of this web-based product "Setting Language in Motion: Family Supports and Early Intervention for Babies Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing".

Module 1 focuses on providing a foundation of knowledge regarding both screening and evaluation of hearing in infants and toddlers. Babies' brains are inherently wired for acquiring language.

Module 2 focuses on providing information on both how the ear works and how an infant's hearing is tested.

Module 3 focuses on providing a foundation of knowledge regarding hearing aids and their features, including troubleshooting and listening checks.

Module 4 provides information on how to facilitate communication and language development through the use of sign.

Module 5 provides information on cochlear implants, surgical considerations, activation, and expectations.

Module 6 provides information on how to promote communication and language in the home.

Module 7 provides support and information for families and caregivers of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.