Since deaf children cannot absorb spoken language naturally through their surroundings, an active approach to language acquisition is imperative for the development of successful communication skills.
Considerations
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the first six months of life are the most important for language development in both deaf and hearing children. Therefore, it is essential to expose a deaf child to as much language as possible, as early as possible.
Auditory/Oral Approach
In the oral approach, deaf children are taught to speak and lip-read using amplification devices like hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems, and visual aids like cued speech. With practice, deaf children can learn to speak and read lips; however, less than 50 percent of speech is intelligible through purely visual means.
Signing Approach
In the United States, signing deaf people communicate through American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a complete language, but its grammar and vocabulary are entirely visual, so a deaf person has full access to the language. Deaf children born to deaf parents learn ASL naturally just as hearing children learn spoken language from their parents. Deaf children born to hearing parents may learn ASL along with their parents, or from peers at school.
Misconceptions
Some people believe that teaching a child to sign will prevent them her learning to speak. This is untrue. Early access to ASL can broaden deaf children's grasp on linguistics and enable them to successfully learn written or spoken language as they grow.
Combined Approaches
Schools for the deaf often employ a method of Total Communication, or using whatever means necessary to effectively communicate. This usually includes a combination of speech therapy, ASL and other visual means. With hard work and familial support, many deaf children go on to read, write and speak English and sign ASL.
Tags: deaf children, spoken language, children born, children learn, Deaf children, Deaf children born