Just Deaf

Can children learn sign language at school?

Deborah Chen-Pichler (Gallaudet University): sign language as a first language

Learning sign language

"In Norway they offer sign language to babies at school."

Why is it important to start learning sign language before your child gets a CI?

Why is the first year of life so important for language acquisition?

"I think it's good, learning sign language from both a hearing and a deaf teacher."

"Guus' first sign was MOMMY!"

Why is it important that parents learn sign language too?

"It was a blessing in disguise, since we wanted to learn a new language anyway, and we enjoy it."

How early should you start learning a (first) language?

How much language input is necessary for proper acquisition of a language?

"The sign language classes evolve alongside your child."

How can you learn sign language as a parent?

"When Guus was three years old we were taught sign language at home."

"I learn all kinds of signs from Guus."

Is it difficult for parents to learn sign language?

"The best response is when people ask: could we join you for one of those sign language classes?"

"When family counseling started, we were taking sign language classes."

"At the day care they watched the Lotte & Max DVDs with the children, and that's how they learned how to sign."

Why is it important for children to learn sign language if they have a CI?

"We run into all kinds of situations where we're forced to use sign language. That's quite exciting."

"I had to sign in public for the first time -- that was quite a big step."