By Isabella Albert, Project Coordinator of Linking Communities
The importance of language access for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing children and their families cannot be overstated. This issue is vital all year long, as language deprivation can have profound and lifelong consequences for children and their families.
Research shows that only a small percentage of hearing families with Deaf children actively learn sign language, and even fewer achieve fluency (National Association of the Deaf, 2021). This communication gap places an unfair burden on Deaf children, often leaving them to navigate their family’s inability to communicate effectively.
Growing up in a home where communication barriers exist can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and emotional neglect. Many Deaf children must seek connections outside their families, a reality that highlights the importance of addressing the lack of language access within homes and communities.
Language Deprivation and Its Consequences
Language deprivation is a critical issue that impacts a majority of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing children. Without consistent exposure to a fully accessible language during key developmental years, these children face significant challenges in cognitive, emotional, and social development. For Black and Brown Deaf children, systemic inequities create additional barriers to accessing language and resources (National Association of the Deaf, 2021).
The effects of language deprivation include cognitive delays, challenges in executive functioning, and struggles with problem-solving and emotional regulation. These barriers often result in feelings of overwhelm, lower self-esteem, and identity challenges. Without accessible communication, children may also experience delays in literacy, school readiness, and academic performance, further isolating them from their peers and reducing opportunities for personal and professional growth later in life.
Access to language is a human right and essential for children to develop, thrive, and engage meaningfully with the world. It ensures that Deaf children can form healthy relationships, express their emotions, and access education, healthcare, and support services equitably.
Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence: The Role of Language Access
Language deprivation also creates barriers for Deaf individuals when seeking help or communicating in cases of domestic or intimate partner violence. Without access to sign language or other communication methods, survivors may struggle to describe their experiences, understand their rights, and access the resources they need.
Many systems are not equipped to meet the unique needs of Deaf communities, resulting in significant gaps in accessible resources. Survivors often face challenges when seeking help from hearing-focused victim services organizations. Deaf-led services, while invaluable, remain limited across the country, leaving many individuals without the culturally and linguistically appropriate support they need (Activating Change, n.d.).
By addressing these issues and advocating for language access, we can empower Deaf survivors to articulate their experiences and connect with support systems. It is essential to ensure that services are inclusive, culturally responsive, and equipped to meet the specific needs of Deaf communities.
A Transformative Justice Approach
Addressing language access for Deaf children and families requires a commitment to transformative justice principles, centering the voices of those most impacted. This means investing in resources that support Deaf communities, providing accessible education for families, and promoting equity in systems that serve children and their families.
Transformative justice calls for systemic changes that acknowledge and dismantle the barriers faced by Deaf individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and equity to create lasting change.
Thank you for your commitment to supporting language access for Deaf children and families. Together, we can build a world where every child has the tools and opportunities to thrive.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out:
My Sisters' Place
Website: MSP
24/7 Hotline: 1-800-298-7233 (SAFE)
Phone: 914-683-1333
Text Phone: (914) 600-4208 (Click "Chat Now" or "Text Us" to connect with an advocate)
MSP Web Chat: Chat Now
Note: Use a safe device to access the chat. A “Quick Escape” button is available to close the chat window and erase the conversation. All conversations are confidential unless there is an intent to harm yourself/others or evidence of child abuse/neglect. Supervisors may assist during conversations if needed.
Web Chat Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Email: info@mspny.org
Fax: 914-683-1412
Disclaimer
This project is supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-23-GK-00742-DISA, awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
References
National Association of the Deaf. (2021). Implications of language deprivation for young Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard-of-Hearing children. https://www.nad.org/implications-of-language-deprivation-for-young-deaf-deafblind-deafdisabled-and-hard-of-hearing-children/
Activating Change. (n.d.). For Deaf, by Deaf: A national campaign to advance Deaf-led organizations and resources. Retrieved from https://www.activatingchange.org/