Key Findings:
- Communication Choices: The review emphasizes the importance of early language development and the need for informed decisions about communication methods. Parents often rely on professional advice, which can be biased towards medical models of deafness. Encouraging a balanced view that includes sign language can lead to better language outcomes.
- Interventions and Resources: Early intervention programs, especially those that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, are crucial. Programs that include Deaf mentors and role models have shown to be highly effective. Telehealth interventions have also proven beneficial, particularly in underserved areas.
- Family Perspectives: Understanding the emotional and social challenges that families face is essential. Parents often need counseling and support to navigate their child's diagnosis and the subsequent decisions they must make. Creating a supportive environment that includes other families and professionals can help mitigate stress.
- Deaf Identity Development: Promoting a Deaf cultural model, which values and celebrates Deafness, can empower both parents and children. This approach challenges the deficit model and fosters a more inclusive and supportive environment for the child's development.
Actionable Steps for Practitioners:
- Provide Comprehensive Information: Ensure that parents receive balanced information about all communication options, including sign language and the benefits of early exposure to it.
- Encourage Early Intervention: Advocate for early intervention programs that are culturally and linguistically tailored to the family's needs. Programs that include Deaf mentors can provide invaluable support and role models for both parents and children.
- Foster Supportive Environments: Create opportunities for families to connect with each other and with professionals who can offer guidance and support. Consider organizing family events and workshops that address common concerns and provide practical advice.
- Promote Deaf Identity: Educate families about the Deaf cultural model and its benefits. Encourage the development of a positive Deaf identity in children by facilitating connections with the Deaf community and promoting the use of sign language.
By implementing these strategies, practitioners can significantly enhance the support provided to hearing families with deaf children, leading to better developmental outcomes and a more inclusive environment for the child.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Systems that support hearing families with deaf children: A scoping review.
