One of the first challenges that parents have to face when they learn that their child is deaf or hard of hearing is: how is our family going to communicate effectively? Will my child talk? Will I hear her say "I love you?", should she talk? That task can seem overwhelming. Despite all the valuable advice that professionals can offer, that final decision about communication options is the family's decision. In choosing what is best for their child, consider what appears to make the most sense based on the child's amount and quality of residual hearing and what works well for the family. No two children are alike; therefore, their communication choices will vary, too.
Start by asking a lot of questions and getting reliable information from people whom you trust and who are qualified to answer. Most parents of deaf/hard of hearing children are hearing themselves and often wonder what questions they should even ask! Going to our national website www.handsandvoices.org will be a good place to start. Look under Communication Considerations.
For some families this is a very stressful moment in the process, for others its an easy decision. Just know that you can change your communication mode if another one isn't working for your child and your family. Also know that through Hands & Voices we can connect you to families who are using varying communication modes. It might be good to talk with them.
Remember, children's need change over time. Changing or modifying communication choices over time is not uncommon for families. Adapting the use of two methods is not unheard of. Responding to your child, staying informed of new research, being open minded and flexible, and talking to other parents is key.
It is important to make sure the professionals working with you and your child are certified to teach the communication mode you have chosen.