“Do You Sign?” Our Baby is Deaf. Here's Our Answer.

One question we get a lot is whether we use sign language with our daughter. The answer is a bit complicated!

At first, the impact of her diagnosis was unknown. We didn't know whether she'd be receptive to listening and spoken language (LSL), or the "oralist," approach.

At first, the impact of her diagnosis was unknown. We didn't know whether she'd be receptive to LSL.

One of us learned some sign language in school, and retained that over the years. When we got her diagnosis, we built on that immediately. We're far from fluent, but know the alphabet, names, some key words, and her favorite things, in ASL.

We focus on LSL because it's working so well for our daughter. She took very easily to the technology, which has advanced lightyears. Our instructors have been gentle, caring, fun, and respectful of her. She smiles when her hearing aids go in, responds to the techniques with joy, and thrives on sound.

She smiles when her hearing aids go in, responds to the techniques with joy, and thrives on sound.

Time is limited, and our daughter gaining fluency using either approach requires a huge familial commitment. Rather than try to "do it all" we needed to focus our efforts on one. For us, that means we still use some signs, but we focus on LSL.

We completely respect families' and individuals' decisions on this subject, and finding the approach that works for them!