Setting Language in Motion

Family Supports and Early Intervention for Babies who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

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.

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

1

Early Identification

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.

2

The Ear and Testing

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

3

Hearing Aids

Module 3 provides information on hearing aids, their use, and maintenance tips.

4

Launching Communication and Language Through Sign

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

5

Cochlear Implants

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

6

Communication & Language in the Home

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

7

Family Supports

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

Collaboration

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.

Thank you to all of our project contributors.

You will be able to view each module in a video individually along with a detailed explanation about each module.

About the Clerc Center

The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University is a federally funded center with exemplary elementary and secondary education programs for deaf and hard of hearing students and is tasked with developing and disseminating innovative curricula, instructional techniques, and products nationwide while providing information, training, and technical assistance for parents and professionals to meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing students from birth to age 21.

800 Florida Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 USA

This site was supported by federal funding. Publication of this material shall not imply approval or acceptance by the U.S. Department of Education of the findings, conclusions, or recommendations herein. Gallaudet University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, hearing status, disability, covered veteran status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of business or residence, pregnancy, childbirth, or any other unlawful basis.