The aim of this project was to respond to the need for language acquisition (either spoken or sign language) of deaf children and to establish effective means of communication within the family by educating and empowering families - parents, siblings and grandparents of deaf or hard of hearing children - through a family learning approach, so that they are able to provide inclusive, nurturing and anxiety-free environment for early childhood development.
We applied for this project to address the critical gap between newborn hearing screening and the start of early intervention services. Many families wait months—sometimes over a year—for support. During this crucial period, deaf children risk language deprivation, leading to serious cognitive, social, and emotional delays. Most deaf children are born to hearing parents who are initially unprepared and unsupported. Our project provides accessible, timely resources that empower parents to communicate effectively with their child, access sign language, build resilience, and become advocates. We also support adult educators with the tools and skills to guide families. This initiative addresses unmet needs: early language exposure, informed parenting, emotional support, and inclusive education—ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.