American Sign Language, often overlooked, holds immense potential and profound value. However, most, if not all, medical professionals continue to push it aside at times, encouraging families not to learn or develop sign language because, in their minds, it will prevent a child from learning spoken language. American Sign Language is still not promoted or recommended to families. Learn more from Dr. Marla Hatrak and her work to advocate for deaf children: https://bit.ly/45bCWEN
Also, Deaf children deserve to learn signed languages from Deaf teachers who can communicate that broader culture.
Children Services Coordinator- New Perceptions
1moI think that ASL is a great tool of course not only for children who are deaf, but also children in early intervention. I have taught preschool with children who were hearing impaired, speech/language delayed and typicals many decades ago and it makes an impact on all children. In early intervention it gives delayed children a foundation if you will to not only use language, but to understand language. I always families that we want kids to understand what they are saying….. pairing signs with words does that. This is from over 30 years of experience as an educator and as an SLP who has worked in schools, preschools and EI….. I believe whole heartedly and I see the impact it makes with hearing impaired and hearing children!!!