Therapists and educators use innovative intervention methods to help deaf and hard of hearing children develop the language skills to succeed in life.
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Childhood Speech, Language & Hearing - Family Sign Language Class
When a child is identified as having a severe or profound hearing loss, parents and family members often find themselves needing to quickly learn to communicate through sign language. Boys Town National Research Hospital’s Center for Childhood Deafness offers families of infants, toddlers and preschool age children a weekly sign language class that teaches signing at an accelerated pace.
Classes focus on everyday communication with small children, center on topics such as dressing, playing, going to preschool, getting sick, having a pet, etc. Parents learn how to use sign language to praise, make rules and read stories. In addition, staff provides guidance for parenting deaf and hard of hearing children.
Classes are offered at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Sibling classes also are taught by skill level so that brothers, sisters and peers can be challenged.
Because of the different needs of families, both Signing Exact English and American Sign Language classes are offered. After careful observation, parent/infant advisors help each family decide which method is most appropriate for their situation.
Eligibility and Registration
The Family Sign Language Class serves:
- Families whose children have just begun their education
- Parents who want to communicate with their infants
- Grandparents who want to be part of a child’s growth
- Caretakers who want to help children participate in their day care activities
- Brothers and sisters who want to play and communicate with their sibling
Previous Family Sign Language Class attendees, families of newly identified students in the Hospital Program, and people who call for information will receive registration forms through the mail in late summer. Registration is also possible on the first night of class. A minimal fee per person is charged for each nine-week session to cover the cost of teachers and snacks and supplies used for sibling classes.
Childcare is provided during the class and is available to families with children in the Hospital’s infant, toddler and preschool programs.
For more information, call: Sandra Woods 402- 452-5033