Resources for Professionals Working with Deaf Children 

Language First is here to help any and all professionals in deaf education— speech-language pathologists, teachers of the deaf, educational interpreters, audiologists, ASL specialists, psychologists, and more!

ARTICLES

This is a list of hyperlinked research articles, organized alphabetically with Deaf authors highlighted. Check back often as new articles are added frequently.

ASSESSMENTs

Order physical and/or digital assessments, or take a look at our chart of formal and informal ASL assessments.

CISIGN CAMPAIGN

Find out why it is so important to use a natural signed language like ASL with Deaf children who have cochlear implants (CIs) and how you can help raise awareness about this through our CISIGN Campaign!

consult

Are you a professional who would like to know more about how to best assess or treat your Deaf and hard of hearing students? Get in touch with one of our consultants to help ensure your provision is as evidence-based as possible.

FACEBOOK GROUP

Join our Facebook group for professionals who work with Deaf and hard of hearing children using an ASL-English bilingual approach.

Guiding Principles

This is a free, self-guided training in the Language First birth to 5 framework, which places overall cognitive and language development as a priority above speaking and listening skills. Professionals who follow this framework focus on a DHH child’s strengths, rather than their deficits, and always place the child’s best interests first.

INTERVENTION

Browse fun and interactive intervention and instructional activities to use with your Deaf students in language treatment sessions or in the classroom.

JOB LISTINGS

This is a place where employers looking for professionals who utilize an ASL-English bilingual approach can post their current job openings. Check back often, as new postings are added frequently.

LEARN ASL

Want to improve your ASL for the students you work with? Check out our list of our favorite places for professionals to learn ASL from Deaf adults.

DEAF-FRIENDLY SLP GRADUATE PROGRAMS

If you are looking into graduate programs in speech-language pathology and want one that is Deaf-friendly, check out our list of recommended schools and programs.

MEMBERSHIP

A Language First membership is great for any professional working directly with Deaf children who wants resources, continuing education, and an entire community at their fingertips.

PROFESSIONAL ROADMAP

Aren’t sure where to start with your Deaf students or clients? Check out our free Professional Roadmap resource to guide your practice.

RESOURCES

Browse graphics, handouts, hierarchies, and infographics explaining a variety of topics and concepts related to evidence-based practice when working with Deaf children.

student ambassador program

The Language First Student Ambassador Program (SAP) is for current undergraduate or graduate students in a Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program who have a passion for Deaf children and enjoy learning, networking, and engaging in service work. The ambassador program is a one-year commitment, beginning on March 1st each year. Ten student ambassadors will be accepted for each cohort, to ensure a close mentorship relationship with Language First team members and other students in the program.

TRANSLATIONS

Browse Language First resources translated into other languages, including Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Slovakian.