We believe that it takes a village to raise a child. Our Family Learning Toolkit is designed specifically for hearing family members of deaf children. This comprehensive resource highlights the crucial roles of parents, guardians, siblings, extended family, peers, and caregivers in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Explore strategies, best practices, and tools to enhance the development and well-being of deaf children and their families.
Find out more about project SILENT here
The document is a comprehensive toolkit titled SILENT Family Learning Toolkit designed to support families with deaf children. It provides guidance for various family members and individuals involved in a deaf child’s life, including parents, siblings, extended family, peers, and caregivers.
Key Sections and Content
Parents and Guardians
- Advocacy and legal rights
- Communication strategies
- Emotional support
- Education and learning
Siblings
- Understanding deafness
- Communication methods
- Inclusion and support
- Emotional support
Extended Family Members
- Learning communication
- Providing support
- Active involvement
Peers and Friends
- Age-specific guidance (Early Childhood, Preadolescence, Adolescence)
- Understanding deafness
- Effective communication
- Inclusivity
Additional Topics
- Advantages and disadvantages of cochlear implants
- Helpful websites and resources
Key Themes
- Communication: The toolkit emphasizes the importance of learning sign language and utilizing various communication strategies to support deaf children1.
- Inclusivity: Throughout the document, there is a strong focus on creating inclusive environments and activities for deaf children.
- Education: The toolkit provides guidance on educational choices, early intervention, and continuous learning for both the deaf child and their family members.
- Emotional Support: The importance of providing emotional support and creating a supportive environment is highlighted for all family members.
- Advocacy: Parents are encouraged to advocate for their deaf child’s rights and needs in various settings.
- Technology: The use of assistive technologies and communication aids is discussed throughout the document.
- Age-Specific Guidance: The toolkit provides tailored advice for different age groups, particularly in the peers and friends section.
This toolkit serves as a comprehensive guide for families and individuals supporting deaf children, covering various aspects of their development, education, and social integration.
Keywords
- Deaf children
- Sign language
- Inclusivity
- Communication strategies
- Advocacy
- Emotional support
- Assistive technology
- Family involvement
- Education
- Cochlear implants
- Early intervention
- Deaf culture
- Legal rights
- Siblings support
- Peer education
