The Fundamental Framework for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children is a framework created by Kinya Embry-Wright, PhD, CCC-SLP and modeled after The ICF Framework and the F-Words (Rosenbaum & Gorter, 2012). This model proposes that decision-making around a DHH child’s language opportunities should be a collaborative effort among parents and professionals that includes the desires and opinions of the DHH child. The framework highlights client-centered care and de-emphasizes the historical approach of “fixing” reduced hearing in children.

This 5-page document explains each concept in the framework, the DHH child’s statement that goes with it, and offers suggested questions for parents and providers to ask each other and the DHH child. The questions help ensure that the DHH child’s voice is heard and that their rights and autonomy are respected.

Embry, K. D., Page, C., & Ofori-Sanzo, K. (2023). The fundamental framework for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing children: A model from the child’s perspective. Journal of Child Language Acquisition and Development, 11(2), 759-775.