Language & Literacy: Communication
"A deaf or hard of hearing person may use one or more of these modes and languages to communication. When thinking about how you would like your deaf or hard of hearing child to communicate it’s not a forever decision. You don’t have to choose one mode or language. Additionally, if one mode isn’t working you can switch to a different more or language later. Whatever mode you pick communicate with your child! Talking or signing is how you share words with your child. Words are the building blocks for literacy." Click on the topic you wish to explore or simply scroll down the page.
Communication Options:
Listening & Spoken Language
LSL
LSL is the development of spoken language (e.g., English, Spanish, etc.) through hearing and listening
Cued American English /
Cued Speech
Cued Speech is not a signed language. Combines eight arbitrary handshapes and four locations to visually and phonetically represent English.
Manual Signed Systems
Manual signed systems: This is a method of communication that uses the hands and body for articulation, rather than the voice. This can include systems that are recognized as language (e.g., American Sign Language [ASL], or systems that aim to manually code English (e.g., Signed English [SE], or Seeing Essential English [SEE]).
Tactile
Communication
Tactile communication is the transmission of messages through physical touch, conveying information ranging from emotions and social bonding to instructions and environmental data
Augmentative/ Alternative Communication (AAC):
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is all other methods used to communicate, including gestures, picture boards, speech generating devices and tablet applications .