DCS believes that the family-centered principles of Early Intervention for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children provide inclusive early language services for families across British Columbia. Our team, consisting of Speech-Language Pathologists, ASL Specialists, and Sign Language Instructors, provides one-hour sessions weekly or bi-weekly, tailored to maximize language and communication development for children from birth to school entry. These services are available at our centre, in homes, in childcare settings, or virtually, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all families.
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Many Deaf children are born to hearing parents unfamiliar with sign language, making it vital for families to learn key skills, often with input from Deaf parents. Family-Centered Signed Language Curriculum to support Deaf Children's Language Acquisition focuses on essential vocabulary, practical sentences, and strategies for daily routines. The Deaf Children’s Society (DCS) ensures access to these services across British Columbia, collaborating with local providers as needed.
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Check out the video on Family-Centered Signed Language Curriculum to support Deaf Children's Language Acquisition
Additionally, teaching about Deaf Community Cultural Wealth (DCCW) can help families navigate the challenges of raising a deaf child.
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DCCW - Eight Key Areas of Focus
Family L.E.A.R.N.S Together - Collaborative Approach
Family L.E.A.R.N.S Together - Collaborative Approach
Familial
Linguistic
Educational
Aspirational
Resistant
Navigational
Social
Trauma Prevention
Our SLPs and ASL Specialists are highly qualified professionals dedicated to helping families enhance language and communication opportunities at home. After thoroughly discussing the family's unique requirements, they design and implement tailored language lessons. These lessons are flexible and relevant to everyday situations, allowing for weekly review and practice. The SLPs and ASL Specialists also provide multilingual support and adapt their approaches to meet the evolving needs of the growing child and family.
If a family enrolls their child in a community daycare or preschool, our SLPs and ASL Specialists are equipped to provide language support and collaborate with school staff to create optimal conditions for the child's language development.
Furthermore, our SLPs, ASL Specialists, and ASL Instructors offer outreach language support and consultation to families outside the Lower Mainland.
If a family enrolls their child in a community daycare or preschool, our SLPs and ASL Specialists are equipped to provide language support and collaborate with school staff to create optimal conditions for the child's language development.
Furthermore, our SLPs, ASL Specialists, and ASL Instructors offer outreach language support and consultation to families outside the Lower Mainland.
"A child without language is like a bird without wings."
- Tibetan Proverb
We hereby acknowledge the Declaration on the Rights of Deaf Children. The Deaf Children’s Society (DCS) is committed to advocating for these rights and incorporates this declaration into our local, regional, national, and international advocacy initiatives.
