Deaf gain: visual communication for all young children

Abstract

Deaf people use visual language and communication strategies naturally. Moreover, hearing people (both young children and adults) can also benefit from sign language and the visual strategies that deaf parents and teachers use with young children, an example of deaf gain. This paper will provide an overview of the concept of deaf gain, review previous research on deaf parents’ visual strategies for interacting with young deaf children, and suggest ways for professionals and hearing parents with young children to integrate these visual strategies. We will also discuss the research-based visual strategies used by deaf adults and teachers outlined in a tip sheet from the Deaf Leadership International Alliance (DLIA), with examples from two popular curricula used by early intervention: the SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Program and ASL at Home.