Deaf Culture

and
QUEER
Sign Language Parent
EDITION
 Table of Contents: We are here
to help you
during this
INTORODUCTION new and
exciting
● Don’t Panic journey!
● Words to Know
● Meet the Authors

Unit One: Sign Language and Sign Systems

Unit Two: Acquisition and Learning
Unit Three: Variation and Historical Change
Unit Four: Language Attitudes
Unit Five: Research Briefs

Front Cover Image: https://goo.gl/images/xBEjhJ

Current page image: https://goo.gl/images/ua4Km7
First things first: There is nothing wrong with your child.
They are not broken, impaired, or lacking. Hearing loss is not a
problem, and therefore you should not be in search of a solution.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Many parents feel deeply concerned, and
fear that their child will enjoy fewer opportunities in life. Such anxieties
are natural, as we all want the best for our children. This packet will act
as a guide to help get you and your child started.

Image: https://goo.gl/images/TTyaFd
 /mbt
INTRODUCTION

https://goo.gl/images
You may notice our package:
- Uses gender neutral terminology
- Is LGBTQ+ friendly & does not perpetuate heteronormativity

Image:

pzp
- Lacks language that endorses societal expectations
I.e. “Normal”or “average”
We wanted to preface this work with a quick statement
Why is this a about inclusion and identity: As deaf and hard of hearing
folx represent a linguistic and cultural minority, it is
“Queer Addition” ? important that we support other groups who have
experienced similar struggles with acceptance and
inclusion. The Queer community and the Deaf community
have paralleled experiences especially during the early
stages of life. Acceptance and learning one’s culture are
crucial elements to identity development. As Queer
parents, you have the key to your child's future in your
hands. You have the chance to reshape your child's future
for the better.
Image: https://goo.gl/images/gLSMZ4
So, What is the first step?

Image: https://goo.gl/images/y26QAw

It is important to understand that the best thing you can do for your child is
offer guidance and support. There are a variety of resources on raising a
children with hearing loss that may lead you to believe one path will be
better for your child than another. However, it is important to be critical of
the information and where it is coming from, as research on hearing loss
and deafness is relatively new, and often written from a bias perspective.
Ask questions, seek out information of all kinds, fight for your child’s
well-being, and seek answers from those within the Deaf community.
All research will stress the same concept:
Early exposure to language is VITAL.
Audism: The notion that one is superior based on one's ability to hear or
to behave in the manner of one who hears.

Linguisticism: describes the false belief that ASL contributes to difficulties

in learning English among deaf children therefore should not be used by
parents and educators

Hard-of-hearing: An Identity of an Individual involved within the Deaf

community, with some residual hearing.

Hearing world/ Hearing Culture: A term used to describe those who are
born with hearing ability and communicate through speech.
http://kidshealth.org/Demo29/en/teens/sm-glossary.html?WT.ac=en-t-sports-center-i
Ableism: A form of oppression and discrimination based on one’s level of
ability.

Mainstream: An educational path in which a child goes to typical hearing

centered school, and may be aided by interpreters, or involved in a deaf or
hard-of-hearing program.

Oralism: Education of deaf students focused on oral language by using lip

reading, speech, and speech therapy.

#Deafgain: Perspective that looks at hearing “loss” as a positive “gain”,

and inclusion into Deaf culture.
http://kidshealth.org/Demo29/en/teens/sm-glossary.html?WT.ac=en-t-sports-center-i
Let's set one thing “Straight”...

Image:https://d2ciprw05cjhos.cloudfront.net/files/v3/styles/gs_large/p
ublic/images/16/04/landonkrentzselfportrait4.jpg?itok=gFndypfB
 Meet the Authors
Rory - I am working towards my B,A, In Deaf Studies at Cal State Northridge, with a
focus in Pre-DEaf Education. I work as a Tutor and student ambassador at Csun’s
National center on deafness (NCOD), and worked at San Diego’s Deaf Community
Service center (DCS) For 4 years prior to entering College. I was born
Hard-of-hearing, and I am now devoted to teaching others about the benefits of ASL,
and the immense positivity deaf culture has brought to my life.

Felix - I am in my first semester of the Interpreter Education Program as a Student

interpreter at California State university northridge. I have been working at CSUN’s
LGBTQ∞ resource center(Pride Center) for 3 years. I have extensive knowledge on
both the lgbtq∞ and the deaf community. I identify as polysexual/gay.

Image: https://goo.gl/images/mbtpzp
 Meet Polypan the Paperclip

Image: community.wikia.com
This is Polypan the paperclip. They will be with
you on this journey to give different insights on
how this information being presented to you
relates to the queer community and queer
parents. They will also add more information as
how it relates to parenting, the Deaf community,
Hi! What
and on the different sections of this booklet to a
help make the journey more fun! pleasure
to meet
you!
UNIT ONE: Sign Language and Sign Systems

The first section of this

spectacular booklet is
about sign language, signing
systems and different
options you might choose
for your deaf child! This is
gunna be fun!
 UNIT ONE: Sign Language and Sign Systems

ASL ESL/SEE PSE

American Sign “PIDGIN” sign
“Signed Exact English”
Language: Or “English Second A “contact” language WOW! I had
Language” that bridges no idea there
A fully established
communication were so
language with its own Developed by hearing many
vocabulary, grammatic between ASL and SEE
educators to teach users. options! ASL
structure, and syntax. english word is used by
order/syntax. Mixes some English many Deaf
A common
word order with ASL people and it
misconception that ASL Includes signs that signs and structure. is directly
is Universal language, it follow the order correlated
is NOT! structure of English. with Deaf
culture!

3 Forms of Sign Language. (2013, February 27). Retrieved November 09, 2017, from
https://signsoflifeasl.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/3-forms-of-sign-language-asl-vs-pse-vs-see/
Educational Paths
● Public or Private Mainstream schooling:
Deaf or hard-of-hearing students may be supported by an interpreter in a
hearing-centered class setting, or participate in a deaf and hard-of-hearing program.

● Residential schools for the Deaf:

A setting that supports total communication in ASL, giving deaf children
the most accessible form of education possible, and an environment supportive of building
connections within the Deaf community.

● Oral education:
A Deaf of hard-of-hearing student may be enrolled in an oral school, or
involved in an oral education program in a public or mainstream classroom.
This kind of education prioritizes speech development and verbal communication.

Image: https://goo.gl/images/i7f4q9
Text: Miller, J. (2012, April). Education Options for Children that are Deaf or Hard of Hearing | Signing Savvy Blog. Retrieved November 14, 2017,
from https://www.signingsavvy.com/blog/81/Education Options for Children that are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
 So many options… But what path is BEST for
your child?
Public or Private Mainstream Schooling
PROS CONS
● Allows students to stay at home with their ● Students can feel isolated if they are the
family, opposed to living away for only deaf or hard of hearing student and
schooling may lack access to deaf role models.

● Students are held to state and federal ● Students will be labeled as “Special
standards, and will be more familiar with Education” students, and will be involved in
the workings of the education system- an IEP program in order to receive
possibly making transitions to higher accommodations.
levels of learning less of a challenge.
● Curriculum and teaching styles will be
● Students will have the opportunity to aimed towards hearing students.
interact with both deaf and hearing peers.
● Students may be reliant upon provided
interpreters for most of the school day.
Deaf School vs. Mainstreaming: Pros and Cons. (1970, January 01). Retrieved November 30, 2017, from
http://www.redeafined.com/2012/02/deaf-school-vs-mainstreaming-pros-and.html
 Residential School for the Deaf
PROS CONS
● Students will be around other deaf and hard of ● Students are usually away from
hearing students, supporting a relationship home and their families for long
with Deaf culture and deaf people. Residential periods of time.
It’s Schools are considered the “heart” of Deaf
important to culture, since many relationships that start
● Children can feel isolated from
be here last a lifetime.
their families, and home
surrounded community.
by people ● Education is tailored to the needs of deaf and
who share hard of hearing. Students have the full access to
your identity! ● There may be expenses involved
communication, which will support the
I wish there in this type of schooling.
development of a healthy identity.
were more
Queer folx at ASL in Schools: Policies and curriculum. Conference
my school! ● Most schools offer a variety of extracurricular Proceedings. October 28-30, 1992, Gallaudet University,
Washington, DC.
activities, including sports and clubs, where the
students interact with other Deaf residential
schools.
 Auditory-Oral Education

PROS CONS
● Teaches deaf children to use their ● Success in this approach is very tedious
residual hearing in combination with and often unpleasant, and it requires hard
speech reading and contextual cues to work from the teachers, parents , and the
better comprehend and use spoken child
language.
● The development of spoken language is
● If this educational strategy is successful, the primary objective of the this education
verbal communication skills can be system.
developed.
● Oral-only programs often neglect literacy
● Verbal Skills lead to better assimilation and completely eliminate signing, tools
into hearing culture. that are extremely helpful for establishing
reliable communication with deaf children

Hall, J. (2015). Why Children Fail with Oral Education. Retrieved November 30, 2017, from
http://www.deafchildrencanspeak.com/oraleducation.pdf
 https://goo.gl/images/UDKl4r
Rights for communication access
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), defines effective

Image:
communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals as:
“communication that allows the person an equal opportunity to participate
in, and enjoy the benefits of, a service, program, or activity.”
What laws apply to effective communication for
people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
ADA Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Americans with Disabilities Act This act forbids public and private entities
of 1990 (ADA) protects individuals that receive financial assistance from any
with disabilities in employment, federal department or agency (“covered
state and local government services, entities”) from excluding qualified
public accommodations (most individuals with disabilities or denying
private offices and businesses), them an equal opportunity to receive
transportation, and program benefits and services.
telecommunications.
Vincenzo, V. (2016). Rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing People to Accessible Communication. Retrieved November 20, 2017, from
http://www.chicagohearingsociety.org/interpreter-services/information-for-deaf-customers/your-rights
Rights for communication access

Auxiliary aids and services required by the ADA

for deaf and hard of hearing people include:
● qualified interpreters or translators ● closed caption decoders

● notetakers ● open and closed captioning

● computer-aided transcription services ● telecommunication devices for

● written materials deaf persons [TTYs]

● telephone handset amplifiers ● videotext displays or other

● assistive listening devices effective methods of making

● telephones compatible with hearing aids aurally delivered materials

available to individuals with
hearing impairments.

Vincenzo, V. (2016). Rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing People to Accessible Communication. Retrieved November 20, 2017,
from http://www.chicagohearingsociety.org/interpreter-services/information-for-deaf-customers/your-rights
UNIT Two: Acquisition and Learning

This next section is all about

your how your child learns a
new language, how you will
learn ASL as a second or
third language, and there’s
even a helpful guide to
learning your first few signs!
 UNIT Two: Acquisition and Learning
First Language Acquisition:
How does early exposure to ASL
benefit your child linguistically? Image: https://goo.gl/images/TB28cV

The earlier any child is exposed to and begins to acquire

language, the better that child’s communication skills will
become. Research suggests that the first few years of life are the
most crucial to a child’s development of language skills, and
even the early months of life can be important for establishing
successful communication.

American Sign Language. (2017, May 19). Retrieved December 06, 2017, from
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/american-sign-language
First Language Acquisition:
How does early exposure to ASL benefit your

Image: https://goo.gl/images/ji3AL7
child emotionally?
Your child will feel accepted by you and not
just simply tolerated. Your approach to
their Deaf identity is crucial. You are the
determiner of your child’s first thoughts of
who they are and where they belong in the
world. Look at this
beautiful famil
y!
Isn’t that wha
t
you so desire?
Isn’t it?
First Language Acquisition:
How does early exposure to ASL benefit your
child Socially and Relationally?

You want a bond with your child?

Deaf
Learn their language. This will decrease Culture
the frustration of miscommunication
and will allow you to communicate Your child will be able to
with your child at an earlier age than communicate with a
if they were hearing (#Deafgain). Not community that utilizes
sign language i.e. the Deaf
only will their relationship with you
community. Just as we
improve, but they will be able to Queer folx benefit
establish deeper connections with immensely from having a
Image: https://goo.gl/images/uBCLwd

those they can communicate with. community to connect

They will also have the opportunity to with so too shall your Deaf
thrive within the Deaf community. child with the Deaf
community.
 Risks of Latent Language Exposure
Children acquire language without instruction as long A child who has not acquired a language by
as they are regularly and meaningfully engaged with an the critical period"runs the risk of not
accessible human language. acquiring native-like fluency in any
language. As a result, the child becomes
Children who have not acquired a first language in the linguistically deprived.
early years might never be completely fluent in any
language. If they miss this critical period for exposure
to a natural language, their subsequent development of
the cognitive activities that rely on a solid first language
might be underdeveloped, such as literacy, memory
organization, and number manipulation.

The “critical period” shows how the first few

years of life constitute the time during which
language develops readily and after which
(sometime between age 5 and puberty)
language acquisition is much more difficult
and ultimately less successful.

Humphries, T., Kushalnagar, P., Mathur, G., Napoli, D. J., Padden, C., Rathmann, C., & Smith, S. R. (2012). Language acquisition Image: https://goo.gl/images/fGSozU
for deaf children: Reducing the harms of zero tolerance to the use of alternative approaches. Retrieved December 06, 2017, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3384464/
How to avoid these risks?

Image: https://goo.gl/images/t3LY9n
The early years in any child’s life is
critical for language development. Your
deaf child is no different. From the day
your child is born up until the day your
child enters Kindergarten, your child’s
brain experiences the greatest language
acquisition growth. In this period,

Image: https://goo.gl/images/cGQwMZ
providing your child with as many
opportunities as possible for language
development can help your child
become Kindergarten-ready.
Humphries, T., Kushalnagar, P., Mathur, G., Napoli, D. J., Padden, C.,
Rathmann, C., & Smith, S. R. (2012). Language acquisition for deaf
children: Reducing the harms of zero tolerance to the use of alternative
approaches. Retrieved December 06, 2017, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3384464/
Risks from the surgical Implant Procedure
● Injury to the facial nerve
● Meningitis
● Cerebrospinal fluid leakage
● Perilymph fluid leak
● Infection of the skin wound.
● Blood or fluid collection at the site of surgery.
● Attacks of dizziness or vertigo.
● Tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ear. Image: Adelaidenow.com.au

● Taste disturbances --the nerve that gives taste sensation to the

tongue also goes through the middle ear and might be injured
during the surgery. Some parents
think
● Numbness around the ear.
implanting and
● localized inflammation due to the body's rejection of the changing their
implant child is worth
● other unforeseen complications that could occur with long the risks.
term implantation that we cannot now predict.
Center for Devices and Radiological Health. (n.d.). Cochlear Implants - Benefits and Risks of Cochlear Implants. Retrieved December 06, 2017, from
https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/CochlearImplants/ucm062843.htm
 Benefits from the surgical Implant
Procedure
● Hearing ranges from near normal ability to understand speech to
no hearing benefit at all.
● Children may improve at a slower pace. A lot of training is needed
after implantation to help the child use the new 'hearing' he or
she now experiences.
● Most perceive loud, medium and soft sounds. People report that
they can perceive different types of sounds, such as footsteps,
slamming of doors, sounds of engines, ringing of the telephone, Image:
barking of dogs, whistling of the tea kettle, rustling of leaves, the http://www.kwch.com/content/news/Man-uses-cochlear-
implant-tattoos-as-marks-of-support-for-son-444096683.
sound of a light switch being switched on and off, and so on. html

● Many can watch TV more easily, especially when they can also
see the speaker's face. However, listening to the radio is often
more difficult as there are no visual cues available.

Center for Devices and Radiological Health. (n.d.). Cochlear Implants - Benefits and Risks of Cochlear
Implants. Retrieved December 06, 2017, from
https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/CochlearImp
lants/ucm062843.htm
 Parallel milestones between deaf and hearing children when exposed
early (0-5)
Hearing Child
Begins to discern
Begins to speak one or two
language from other Sentences get longer!
word phrases. Begins to
sounds and other Uses more grammar!
point to refer to things! Will
languages. Speech
make many mistakes!
Babbling!

Pre-Linguistic Phase 1 & 2 Word Phase Differentiation Phase

Age = 0 - 1;0 Age = 1;0 - 2;6 Age = 2;6 - 5;0
Deaf Child

Begins to discern Begins to sign one or two Sentences get longer!

language from other signs in a row. Begins to Uses more grammar!
movements and point to refer to things!
other languages. Will make many mistakes!
Hand Babbling! Thornton, C. (n.d.).
DEAF485_Unit2_Week1_PDF.pdf
[DEAF 485: ISSUES IN ASL
PRESENTATION]. Canvas.
 Some Benefits Include:
● Better attention span and ability to
Image: https://goo.gl/images/oLHnPH

multi-task.
● Advantage at school or further
education
● More open minded and aware of
different perspectives
● Social skills: ability to navigate
between cultures
● Can delay the onset of Dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease

Acquiring two languages rather than just one language has obvious
practical benefits in an increasingly globalized world. But in recent
years, scientists have begun to show that the advantages of
bilingualism are even more fundamental than being able to
converse with a wider range of people. Being bilingual, it turns out,
makes you smarter. It can have a profound effect on your brain,
improving cognitive skills not related to language and even
shielding against dementia in old age.
Bhattacharjee, Y. (2012, March 17). Why Bilinguals Are Smarter. Retrieved December 06, 2017, from
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-benefits-of-bilingualism.html
Struggles you may face while learning ASL
● Learning a new language is a difficult task.
Be patient with yourself.
● You may feel this tremendous amount of
guilt about the way things are going with
their parenting of their deaf child.
When times are
● The fact that you have to now adapt into this getting tough just
whole new culture and community in order think about who
you’re learning ASL
to gain a greater understanding of your deaf for! Your Child!
child’s identity can be very overwhelming!
● You are not alone! There are many people
and resources for you! They will support
5 Tips for Overwhelmed Parents of Deaf Children
you through this journey! | Signing Savvy Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved December
06, 2017, from
https://www.signingsavvy.com/blog/249/5 Tips
for Overwhelmed Parents of Deaf Children
 Tips and Tricks on Learning ASL
● Learn sign language along with them!
○ Try to learn sign language as they are learning it, even if you aren’t able to keep up
with their pace of learning.
● Tackle things in logical chunks!
○ Think about your interactions with them, the language and vocabulary that would be
involved in those daily interactions.
● Practice, practice, practice! You’re gonna
○ Sign with your child. You can't learn if you don't try. be fluent in
● Reach out for help! no time! I
○ If possible, acquaint yourself with someone who has a good (non-biased) know you
can do it!
understanding and connections with the Deaf Community in your area (if there is
one).
● Create a support system! 5 Tips for Overwhelmed
○ In addition to reaching out for help to people who can work with your child (or already Parents of Deaf Children |
Signing Savvy Blog. (n.d.).
Retrieved December 06,
do), capitalize on your close social network to create a support system. Encourage 2017, from
others to learn sign language and to use it to communicate with your child, especially https://www.signingsavvy.co
m/blog/249/5 Tips for
Overwhelmed Parents of
close family and friends that are a regular part of you and your child’s life. Deaf Children
YOUR ASL LEARNING JOURNEY STARTS HERE!

Image: https://goo.gl/images/6k37t7
 *The sign for "hungry" is *The sign for
made by forming your "more" uses
right hand into the letter flattened "O"
"c." hands. Bring both
Move your hand down "O" hands
the middle of your chest. together.

*The sign for "water" is

Use a squished "O" made by forming your *The sign for "help" is
hand as if stuffing a right hand into the made by closing your left
piece of food into letter "W." Touch the hand into an "A." Place
your mouth.* index finger to your the outstretched palm of
mouth twice. your right hand under the
*The sign for "drink" is
left "A" hand and raise
made by forming your
both hands.
right hand into the
letter "C." Move the *The sign for "milk" is
hand to your mouth in made by forming a "C"
a short arc. and closing it twice into Images:
https://www.babysignlanguage.com/dicti
*William Vicars / ASL University an "S" hand. onary
/gd/index.html. (n.d.). ASL. Retrieved
December 06, 2017, from Images: mykidentity.com
http://www.lifeprint.com/
 *In general to do the
sign that means "me" *Make the sign for "father"
or "I" you just point at by the thumb of your
yourself or touch your "5-hand" against your
index finger to your forehead.
chest.

*The sign for "love" is *Make the sign for "Mother"

made by crossing both by placing the thumb of
hands over the middle your hand against your
of your chest. chin. Your hand should be
open (a "5" shape).
*In general to do the
sign that means “you”,
you just point with your *The sign for *The "I love you" sign
index finger to "friend" interlocks is a combination of the
whomever you are the index fingers American Sign
referencing. twice. Language (ASL) letters
I, L, and Y.
Images:
Images: mykidentity.com
*William Vicars / ASL University /gd/index.html.
https://www.babysignla
(n.d.). ASL. Retrieved December 06, 2017, from
nguage.com/dictionary
http://www.lifeprint.com/
 Sign = ANIMAL *The
fingertips touch the Sign = CAR *Use a
chest. The fingers stay small quick movement
straight. The hands that looks as if you
pivot inward toward were turning a small
each other twice. steering wheel side to
side.
Sign = CAT *Place the "open F" Pick up
handshape near the bottom of your *The sign for "home" those
nose and move it out to the side is made by bringing hands!
while changing it to a normal "F" your fingers and You’re
handshape thumb together and doing
touching your cheek great!
*This is an interesting sign because at the side of your
it is sort of based on the mouth. Then move
fingerspelled word D-O-G as well as your hand an inch or
the common gesture of snapping two toward your ear
your fingers to get a dog's attention. and touch your cheek
Images:
*William Vicars / ASL University /gd/index.html. Images:
again. https://www.babysignlanguage.
(n.d.). ASL. Retrieved December 06, 2017, from com/dictionary
mykidentity.com
http://www.lifeprint.com/
UNIT Three: Variation and Historical Change

Get ready to unlearn some

misconceptions about ASL and
Deafness, a brief history lesson
and tons of resources!
 UNIT Three: Variation and Historical Change
Common Myths
ASL& Communication Deafness and Culture
- “ASL is a universal language” - “All deaf people can read lips”
American Sign Language is only one, of over Actually, lip reading is an amazingly ineffective
70 signed languages across the world. The way of communicating. Lipreading offers only
sign language of use varies depending on the a 30% chance of understanding the overall
country and its surrounding native language. conversation.

- “All deaf and hard of hearing persons - “All deaf people are unable to talk”
benefit from hearing devices” Most deaf people have physical ability to
It is different for each person. Hearing aids vocalize. However, some choose to speak while
amplify sound and may benefit some deaf others do not. This ability depends on many
people, while for others, it may distort factors such as whether they are prelingually or
sounds, making sounds more difficult to postlingually deaf and their educational
understand. Some people don’t benefit from background. Speech pathologists work with
hearing aids at all, particularly if they do not some deaf people to help them develop speech.
have any residual hearing.
Common Myths About Deaf People. (2015, February 06). Retrieved November 28,
2017, from http://signlanguageco.com/common-myths-about-deaf-people/
Brief History of ASL 1814 1816 1817
Dr. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and The American School for the
Gallaudet met with Abbe Laurent Clerc sale Deaf, was established in Hartford,
Sicard, Jean Massieu, and to America and Connecticut in 1817 as the first
Frenchman, Laurent plan to establish a public free deaf school in the U.S.
Clerc, In Europe. school for the deaf. This was a huge milestone in
American Deaf history.
1851 1863
1818+ Gallaudet dies. His son, Edward Twenty-two deaf
The history of ASL didn’t The school grew quickly Miner Gallaudet continues his schools in the
truly begin until 1814 and deaf students from legacy in deaf education. U.S. had been
when deaf education all over the United States established.
was introduced to the came together to attend Most of them
U.S. There is little this school. American 1857 were founded by
information about ASL Sign Language stemmed Edward becomes the Clerc’s students.
history before this time. from the progression of superintendent of the Columbia They continued
English signs, as well as Institution for the Deaf Dumb and to use Clerc’s
Image: signs from French Sign the Blind in Washington, D.C. In Deaf education
https://goo.gl/images/JyMNSw Language that Gallaudet 1986 the school was renamed methods in these
Text: History of American Sign learned from Clerc. Gallaudet University, to honor schools.
Language. (n.d.). Retrieved November Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet.
30, 2017, from
https://www.startasl.com/history-of-ame
Gallaudet University is known
rican-sign-language_html today for as the first and only deaf
university in the world.
 Recommendations/ Learn More:
Websites Books Schools

The Nyle Dimarco ● The Mask of Benevolence

Foundation by Harlan Lane California School for the
https://nyledimarcofoundat Deaf, Fremont
ion.com/ ● Raising and Educating a
Deaf Child http://www.csdeagles.com
Lead-K: Language Equality by Mark Marschark
& Acquisition for Deaf Kids
http://www.lead-k.org/ ● For Hearing People Only California School for the
by Matthew Moore & Linda Deaf, Riverside
Visual Language and Levitan
Learning Research http://www.csdr-cde.ca.gov
http://vl2.gallaudet.edu/ ● Introduction to American
Deaf Culture
National Association of the by Thomas K. Holcomb
Deaf
https://www.nad.org/
Brief list of ASL Classes In the LA Area:
Language Door School SignShine
15720 Ventura Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Encino, CA 91436 (310) 277-7446
818) 995-3667 Signshine.com

Pierce College
Burbank Adult School
6201 Winnetka Ave
3811 Allan Ave
Woodland Hills, CA 91371
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 719-6401
(818) 558-4611
Baby Signs burbankusd.org/BAS
Serving Santa Monica &
Image: https://goo.gl/images/VKB2zj
surrounding area Santa Monica Language Academy
(916) 606-6676 1428 Second St
Babysignstoo.com Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-6307
Greater Los Angeles Agency On
Deafness, Inc. Pasadena Language Center
2222 Laverna Ave, Los Angeles, CA 46 Smith Alley #240,
90041 Pasadena, CA 91103
(323) 478-8000
(626) 844-5003
 Interested in learning more about the LGBTQ community?

Resources:
How deaf and queer spectrums compare
to each other
https://www.straight.com/news/674241/
landon-krentz-how-deaf-and-queer-spe
ctrums-compare-each-other

The Trevor Project

https://www.thetrevorproject.org
Image: https://goo.gl/images/TQy9Ft
Itgetsbetter
http://www.itgetsbetter.org/

Supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans The resource regarding

and queer parenting Deaf and Queer
intersectionality is
http://lgbtqpn.ca/ especially interesting!
UNIT FOUR: Language Attitudes

This next section is all about

Language Attitudes! How do
people view ASL? How have these
views impacted the lives of Deaf
people? Read on to find out!
 UNIT FOUR: Language Attitudes
Negative language attitudes toward deaf children learning ASL has affected...
Language Access (ASL) Educational Growth & Development

**Young deaf and hard of hearing

*For Deaf people, barriers to access are rarely about children continue to experience
physical obstacles. More often the barriers lie in lack of delayed cognitive and language
accessible information, whether this information comes development in early childhood that
through direct interaction with other people who do not lead to academic difficulties and
use sign language, or from other sources (e.g. mass underperformance when they begin
media, documents, etc.). In direct interaction, schooling. Despite the good intentions
accessibility often rests upon the availability of sign of government, schools, and
language interpreters. In other information professionals, this condition persists,
distribution, Deaf people’s right to obtain information in resulting in significant
sign language should extend into official documents under-education and
(sign language translations), mass media (sign language underemployment for persons who
news and programmes) and many other issues in order are deaf or hard of hearing.
to increase Deaf people’s opportunities to make free and
informed decisions.
**Position Statement On Early Cognitive and Language Development and Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children. (2015,
*Human Rights. (n.d.). Retrieved December 06, 2017, from April 03). Retrieved December 06, 2017, from
https://wfdeaf.org/human-rights/ https://www.nad.org/about-us/position-statements/position-statement-on-early-cognitive-and-language-development-and-education
-of-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-children/
 How has negative language attitudes toward deaf
children learning ASL affected...

Access to health care and services Societal Impacts

*Healthcare is routinely inaccessible to **In 2014, only 48% of deaf
deaf[1] people due to communication people were employed, That reminds me
and linguistic barriers. Individuals compared to 72% of hearing of another similar
whose language is American Sign people. That is a significant statistic I came
Language (ASL) or another sign gap. across the other
language are often denied access to the
**https://www.nationaldeafcenter.org/sites/default/fil day. ***More than
health care system because most es/resources/Deaf%20Employment%20Report_final.p
df four in 10
providers do not provide adequate
transgender people
communication access in ASL or any
(44%) who are
other sign language, through qualified
currently working
interpreters.
are
underemployed.
*Position Statement On Health Care Access For Deaf Patients. (2017, June 27). ***Campaign, H. R. (n.d.). Transgender Workers at Greater
Risk For Unemployment and Poverty. Retrieved
Retrieved December 06, 2017, from
December 06, 2017, from
https://www.nad.org/about-us/position-statements/position-statement-on-health-car
https://www.hrc.org/blog/transgender-workers-at-greater
e-access-for-deaf-patients/
-risk-for-unemployment-and-poverty
What could the world look
like if ASL was the widely
accepted language for deaf
children?
Imagine a world filled with Image: https://goo.gl/images/rLQFw7

acceptance and joy! Deaf people

and hearing people communicating
with ease because of how much
knowledge has overcome
ignorance! The next couple slides
will spotlight Deaf people who
have made a positive impact on
the world!
 The world in ASL
*Nyle DiMarco is an actor, model and activist. He
is a native New Yorker and was born into a large
multigenerational Deaf family. He is an alumni of
Gallaudet University, the only liberal arts University Nyle Dimarco
in the world for the Deaf, with a B.A. in communicates
mathematics. using ASL, and
identifies as
Nyle is the first Deaf person to win America's Next sexually fluid!
Top Model Cycle 22 and Dancing With The Stars He’s fam! Think
Season 22. of how much
your child
Nyle DiMarco is Deaf and uses American Sign could thrive
Language. American Sign Language requires the with total
use of facial expressions and body movements, access to ASL!
his Deafness amplifies his natural talent. His You can be the
Deafness is an asset and not a limitation, he is change!
Image: http://www.nyledimarco.com/about/* amicable and able to communicate easily.
The world in ASL
*Renteria was one of the first trans pioneers to
bring attention to the queer deaf community. He is
a deaf, Chicano, hetero-queer trans man that has
worked to create awareness and social change in
the various communities that he is a member of.
He is an outspoken activist and does much of his
It’s a beautiful activism work behind the scenes. He is founder of
thing when the Deaf Queer Resource Center and has served
identities are on numerous nonprofit boards, including the
crossed. The boards of FTM International, the Transgender Law
Queer Center, and the Youth Gender Project. Originally
community from El Paso, Texas, he is a long-time resident of
needs to learn San Francisco’s Mission district and is currently
more about its working on a photo documentary profiling the Image: http://honor41.org/41-list-11-20-2015/
Deaf siblings! hyper gentrification the Latinx community is
experiencing.
Willis, R. (2015, July 02). 13 Trans Latinx Activists Who Are Changing the World.
Retrieved December 06, 2017,
fromhttps://www.pride.com/transgender/2015/7/02/11-trans-latinx-activists-who-are-ch
anging-world#slide-2
Unit Five: Research Briefs

The next couple of slides are

filled with lots of information
that is beneficial to your
journey! Now, they are a little
bit dense but trust me they
are worth the read! Read it for
your child!
 Unit Five: Research Briefs
Topic: Reading Research &
“Parental involvement in the
Deaf Children child’s academic environment
is important for academic
Source:
Visual Language and Visual Learning Science of Learning
success.” Furth, H. G. (1966). Thinking
without language:
Center. (2011, June). Reading Research and Deaf Children Psychological implications of
(Research Brief No. 4). Washington, DC: Donna Morere. deafness. New York, NY: Free
Press.

“Phonological coding and

“Much of the research Reading
Research awareness skills are a
suggests that deaf children & low-to-moderate predictor
parallel hearing children in Deaf Children
of reading achievement in
early literacy skills, but deaf individuals.”
many do not make the
transition to later stages of
literacy development.” “Parental fluency in the language
Mayer, C. (2007). What really matters in
the early literacy development of deaf “In developing advanced or communication mode of the
children. Journal of Deaf Studies and
Deaf Education, 12(4), 411-431. reading skills, phonology child is critical.”
doi:10.1093/deafed/enm020
appears to be important for
some, but not all, deaf
children.”
 Topic: Family Involvement In ASL Parental involvement

whether spoken

improved social,
“Early language
Acquisition

literacy skills.”
contributes to

cognitive, and
is a critical factor in

acquisition,
Source:

or signed,
Visual Language and Visual Learning Science of
Learning Center. (2013, June).
deaf children’s
Family Involvement in ASL Acquisition. Washington, DC:
Charlotte Enns and Liana Price.
language acquisition.
Research has shown that children with more opportunities for communicating
with parents, siblings, peers, and other adults develop better language skills. It is important to distinguish between
the terms “speech” and “language”
There is no evidence to suggest that learning ASL
Speech is simply the ability to make sounds
will negatively influence the development of speech.
through movements of the mouth. By
* Petitto, L. A., Berens, M., Kovelman, I., Dubins, M.,

phonetic processing advantage: New insights from fNIRS

*Although the differences between processing

Wedge Hypothesis’’ as the basis for bilingual babies’
Jasinska, K., & Shalinsky, M. (2011). The ‘‘Perceptual

contrast, language is our understanding

information through our eyes or our ears and use of words, grammar, and
shape spoken and signed languages, it is conversational rules.
important to emphasize that all language Language includes all the words we know,
learning is really about the mind. So whether or how we put these words into sentences
brain imaging(2), 130-143.

not it is perceived through the eyes or the ears, and how we understand and express ideas
expressed through the mouth or the hands, and feelings. Language can be expressed
signed and spoken languages are processed through through speech, as well as signs or
by the brain in a similar way. writing.
 Thank you so much for
learning with us!

Image: https://goo.gl/images/MEmJaa
Image: https://goo.gl/images/g3rVLi
Thank you so much for
learning with us!
And this concludes my journey
with you! However your
journey has just begun! Thank
you for taking time to learn as
much as you can to ensure
that your child’s future will
hold only the best! The best of
luck to you and your Queer
family!