QUICK TIPS:

• Make sure the dinner table is a positive experience for your Deaf children. Many Deaf kids have tragic stories about sitting at the dinner table and unable to manage the speed and direction of the conversation. You can assist your Deaf child by learning Sign, or if needed making sure each person at the table speaks in turn and acknowledges when they are speaking by holding up a hand. Simple life alterations can radically change your child's experience at home.
• Expose your children to Deafness. Kids feel "normal" when they get exposed to others like them. This may mean they enter a program at school with multiple Deaf kids, or you take them to special local or national Deaf events. Events like Deaf Awareness Day at Disneyland can be a fun vacation, and at the same time provide critically needed exposure to your Deaf child. You can find Deaf events in your area as well with minimal effort.
• Encourage your children to access local Deaf services. Captioned movies are a great example. Encouraging your children to attend a captioned movie gives them fun time with friends and ensures their understanding.

TIPS Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5