Posted: September 8, 2024

The Importance of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month offers an important opportunity to increase awareness and deepen understanding of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) community. Observed annually in September, this month highlights the unique challenges encountered by those with hearing loss and emphasizes the need for greater inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities. By enhancing our knowledge of Deaf culture and working to overcome obstacles, we can help build a more inclusive society for everyone.

Some Basics About Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals to Consider:

Understanding the prevalence and impact of hearing loss in children is important:

Global Prevalence: The World Health Organization estimates that around 5% of the world’s population, or approximately 430 million people, have disabling hearing loss, including 34 million children. (Source: WHO)
U.S. Statistics: In the United States, about 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children are born with detectable hearing loss. Over 90% of these children are born to hearing parents. (Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIDCD)
Early Detection: Hearing loss is often detected through newborn hearing screenings, which are crucial for early intervention and support. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC)

Challenges Faced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

Children with hearing loss encounter several obstacles that impact their development and education:

Communication Barriers: Difficulty in accessing spoken language can impact a child’s ability to engage fully in both educational and social settings.
Learning Challenges: Deaf and HOH children may face difficulties with language acquisition, literacy development, and academic performance without appropriate support.
Social Integration: Limited communication skills can affect social interactions, potentially leading to feelings of isolation or difficulty forming relationships with peers.

How We Can Support Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

As family members, caregivers, educators, and community members, we can take meaningful actions to support young children with hearing loss:

Family Members and Caregivers:

Consider Learning Sign Language: Basic sign language skills can greatly enhance communication with Deaf and HOH children, improving daily interactions and fostering stronger family bonds.
Advocate for Resources: Seek out and ensure access to necessary resources such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and specialized educational services. Work closely with healthcare providers and educators to secure the best support for your child. If you didn’t catch our blog post from last month about IEPs make sure to check it out here.
Create a Supportive Environment: Foster an inclusive home environment by using visual cues, providing captioned media, and incorporating assistive technologies to support communication and learning.
Promote Independence: Encourage your child’s independence by helping them access services and navigate systems that support their development and self-sufficiency.

Therapists:

Provide Specialized Interventions: As therapists, you play a crucial role in supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals through targeted interventions. For example, speech-language pathologists can work on communication strategies, while occupational therapists can focus on skills needed for daily living and educational success. Tailor your approach to meet the unique needs of each individual, incorporating evidence-based practices and the latest technology.
Collaborate with Schools and Families: Work closely with educators and families to ensure a comprehensive approach to therapy. Share insights and strategies that can be implemented both in the classroom and at home to reinforce skills and support the child’s development.
Advocate for Resources: Help families navigate available resources, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and educational support services. Advocate for the inclusion of necessary accommodations and therapies that will enhance the child’s learning and overall quality of life.

Teachers:

Utilize Visual Aids: Make sure to have plenty of visual support such as diagrams, pictures, and written instructions to enhance understanding and engagement in the classroom.
Ensure Clear Communication: Speak clearly, face the child while talking, and (if age appropriate) provide written summaries of key points to help bridge communication gaps.
Implement Technology: Consider use of tools like FM systems, captioning for videos, and interactive whiteboards to support accessibility and facilitate learning.

Community Members:

Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about Deaf culture and the challenges faced by Deaf and HOH individuals. Share this knowledge to promote understanding and support. Suggestion: Share this blog with a friend, family member, or other acquaintance as a good starting point!
Support Deaf-Owned Businesses: Patronize businesses owned by Deaf individuals and support organizations that advocate for Deaf rights and services.
Volunteer and Advocate: Get involved with local Deaf organizations, participate in events that raise awareness, and advocate for policies that improve accessibility and inclusion.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on how we can support and advocate for a more inclusive world for young children with hearing loss. By understanding their unique challenges and actively working to create accessible and supportive environments, we can help ensure that every child, regardless of hearing ability, has the chance to thrive. Let’s use this month to drive positive change and commitment to inclusivity, creating a brighter future for all.

To learn even more about the Deaf and HOH Community check out these resources:

– [National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov)

– [World Health Organization (WHO) Hearing Loss Data](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hearing-loss)

– [National Deaf Center](https://www.nationaldeafcenter.org)

We’d love for you to share this blog with someone you know to help spread awareness!