Children with hearing loss can learn to listen and talk - in fact, that's the main goal of oral deaf education. Children who develop spoken language have options to participate fully in the mainstream community. Spoken communication facilitates all aspects of life, at school, at home and in the workplace. Children who are educated with the oral approach develop listening skills with the use of current auditory technology, including digital hearing aids and cochlear implants, specific teaching strategies, and speechreading. Using this combination, children learn to speak much as children with normal hearing do, given the right intervention. Literacy
Oral children who are deaf or hard of hearing have a much easier time learning to read and write. The ability to read, in turn, is critical to learning in all academic areas.
Look for a program in which:
 Children can maximize their auditory potential all day where they are expected to learn to listen and speak.
Spoken language is the only language used by children at all times.
The curriculum prepares children for mainstreaming.
Ensure the program offers:
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for children birth to 3 years, or Individualized Education Program (IEP) for children 3 years and older, to fit your child's needs;
Quality and professional education of the staff, including playtime supervisors, counselors and others;
Curricula that prepare the child for neighborhood schools;
A social and physical environment that supports the child's efforts to learn to listen and speak; and
Comprehensive audiological management. |