WELCOME!
As the parent or caregiver of a newly-identified deaf or hard-of-hearing child, you are embarking on an exciting and sometimes challenging journey. You may notice that your child sees and engages with the world differently from you in many ways, particularly in regards to communication. These differences can be assets to your entire family, especially if your child’s unique communication needs are nurtured early in his/her journey.
The team that created this guide has your child’s optimal language in mind and works to ensure that your child can have a fulfilling life. We are members of the National Science Foundation’s Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2) at Gallaudet University. VL2 is dedicated to exploring and advancing how individuals, particularly deaf people, access language, develop literacy, and learn. This makes us uniquely qualified to help you utilize visual language and visual learning to help prepare your child for school.
VL2 continues to make new scientific discoveries that can significantly benefit your family. This resource includes VL2’s latest research on deaf children and relays key information to you about the benefits to your deaf child and entire family of sign language, visual-based learning, and bilingualism, all of which can be great assets to your child as he or she becomes ready for school.
The SCIENCE OF VIsual LEARNING and
visual language clearly tells us:
more equals more!
More language means more vocabulary, more communication, more ways to grow together, more connection, and more laughter.
More readiness for school, more readiness for reading, more resources, more access.
We are a Science of Learning Center funded by the National Science Foundation in the United States. We study visual language and learning. We study the advantages and benefits of being bilingual in both English and American Sign Language (ASL).
We are making new discoveries that benefit your family and your child.
This website is for you. Let’s thrive together.
