General Overview

This section provides a wealth of information and resources for deaf and hard of hearing children and students, ranging from birth all the way through post-secondary programs. The primary focus of this section is language acquisition and access in a quest for their Kindergarten-readiness and their K-12 academic achievements.
If you are seeking information or specific resources, it is ideal to check within your state because each state varies in their provisions of services to deaf children and/or students. You can check with:

• State association of the deaf
• State school for the deaf outreach services
• State agency for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• State association of special education advocacy

If you are not able to locate what you are looking for, please scroll down to where you can click and we can guide you to additional resources.

Quick jump to the sections:

• Deaf Infants – Ages 0 – 3
• Toddlers – Ages 3-5
• Students: K-12
• Still in a high school program, but not graduated?
• Post Secondary

Deaf Infants – Ages 0 – 3

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Law (2022)

By law, every baby born at hospitals will have its hearing tested before leaving for home. If the test shows potential outcome for some hearing issues, the family will be referred to a medical provider–by three months–to conduct further hearing tests to affirm the status. If the baby is determined to have hearing issues, the family will be referred to their school district to plan an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).

• At birth or at least by a month after birth: hearing test
• By 3 months, referral to a medical provider to receive additional hearing tests.
• By 6 months, referral to the baby/family’s school district to begin IFSP.

Individualized Family Service Plan

A written document that outlines all early intervention services to support the deaf child’s development. Key components:

• Child’s present levels of development
• Family’s preferences and priorities
• Outcomes should emphasize language acquisition: ASL & English
• How ASL & English services will be delivered: signed and spoken

Recommended services for deaf babies:

• ASL instruction for family and baby
• ASL/English language acquisition & access
• ASL Deaf Coaches
• Parent Mentors

Will include transition to Individuals Education Plan (IEP) (see below)

Recommended resources to check:

“Open Letter for Professionals On Language Deprivation” here: /deaf-kids/open-letter-for-professionals-on-language-acquisition-deprivation/

LEAD-K Family Services: https://www.leadkfamilyservices.org/

Head Start: https://headstart.gov/publication/individualized-family-service-plans-ifsps-tips

Where to find ASL instruction

If and when you search online for ASL instruction, you will find an array of online and in-person instructional programs. Check as well the following programs:

• Local community college programs
• University-level extension programs

Additional Resources

If you are looking for additional information to assist your child in this age category, some of these resources may fit your needs:

• Deaf Education Advocates – these individuals/offices should be your first stop. You can find the Education Advocates in your state by Google searching for “education advocate” and the name of your state (example: “education advocate Maryland”). These individuals can help you navigate the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
• The NAD has published a Bill of Rights for Deaf Children here: /knowledge-hub/education/bill-of-rights-for-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-children/
• NAD has a section on our website about Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers here: /deaf-kids/early-intervention-for-infants-and-toddlers/
• Make sure you see the page titled “Information for Parents”: /deaf-kids/early-intervention-for-infants-and-toddlers/information-for-parents/
• There is also a full menu of information for Deaf Kids here: /deaf-kids/
• The NAD has published a Bill of Rights for Deaf Children here: /knowledge-hub/education/bill-of-rights-for-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-children/
• Headstart.gov has a great guide on the IFSP here: https://headstart.gov/publication/individualized-family-service-plans-ifsps-tips

Before you contact us, it is very very important that you first contact your local education advocate.