Session Description

Like all children, including Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (D/DB/HH), children have the right to equal opportunities, yet often there is limited awareness about the wide range of language acquisition options available to them from birth through adulthood. This session will examine the various communication approaches and their potential impacts on a child’s cognitive, emotional, and well-being development, academic success, and future opportunities. Participants will explore how systemic factors—such as hospital resources, parental decision-making, and access to information—can shape lifelong outcomes. Post-secondary education data will also be shared to highlight disparities between D/DB/HH students and their hearing peers. Through this discussion, attendees will gain insight into how to better support families in making informed decisions that promote equitable access and long-term success for D/DB/HH children.

Learning objectives