The Importance of Developing Language
To me what is important is that children have access to language, any language be it Spanish, English, or American Sign Language. What children need is a first language in early childhood. If they have that then they will be able to learn a second language. If their first language is Spanish they can learn English, no problem. If their first is American Sign Language they can probably learn written English given proper instruction. The key is learning a first language in early childhood, preferably before age four. If you have learned your first language in early childhood, you can learn a second language. When children do not get access to language in early childhood, the effects can influence their academic skills and, in turn, their vocational options. Children who don’t get access to language in early childhood can have lifelong repercussions including illiteracy. I am a strong supporter of access to a language that the child can learn and understand.
Jennifer Johnston, Ed.D., Speech Language Clinician
Importance of Literacy
I want to mention a little bit about literacy because it is important to all children, especially those who don’t always have full access to spoken language. When children who are deaf or hard of hearing become literate, they can get some of the information gaps filled in that they are missing. I just think it is really important for parents to make sure their children have access to books. It is important for children to get a library card and include a weekly visit to the library in the family routine. Children whose parents read to them, whether it is in spoken English, spoken Farsi or Sign Language, have better educational outcomes. Just giving children access to print is very important because it helps children with their vocabulary skills, which are highly correlated with academic achievement and reading comprehension.
Jennifer Johnston, Ed.D., Speech Language Clinician
Meeting a Deaf Professional
I will tell you something I learned from a parent of a deaf child. This mother said that it was not until her child was about ten or eleven years old that she ever met a Deaf professional. When this parent met a deaf person, who happened to be a university professor who used ASL and was fluent in written English, her perspective on deafness changed. This mom said, “I wish I had met a person like this earlier. It would have expanded my notion of the possibilities for my child.” This was a parent whose son had language and learning difficulties in part because he did not have early access to a language he could understand.
Jennifer Johnston, Ed.D., Speech Language Clinician