Importance of Language Access, Always
People of all ages have a right to information: infants, students, adults.
Infants: 90% of Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) children are born to hearing families. The majority of those families do not use sign language. Growing up without access to visual language can lead to language deprivation, which limits a child’s communication, ability to reason, academic abilities, and may impact their emotional health as they age.
Students: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees all students with disabilities access to an equitable education. Most Deaf and Hard of Hearing students are in mainstream programs across the country. The access to visual language will vary based on the school district and the implementation of programs for the Deaf. If the student is not in a program that has signing teachers, they may have an ASL interpreter in the classroom.
Adults: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guarantees access to communication. ASL interpreters are often contacted or hired full time at a company to provide communication access for infrequent consumers or full-time employees.
Services
Strong Foundations supports Deaf consumers of all ages, as well as the institutions in place to provide services.
Consulting for Early Intervention
Early Intervention specialist - supporting families with ASL acquisition, interacting with their DHH baby, and advocating for services.
Consulting for K-12 Schools
Licensed teacher of the Deaf in Massachusetts and Virginia, K-12 all subjects. Provision of consulting for DHH programs and school districts without DHH programs or DHH teachers.
ASL Interpretation/Transliteration
Freelance interpretation services provided through local agencies in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland. Level III ASL Interpretation & Transliteration.
Language Access, Always
Strong Foundations
Consulting Services
IFSP / IEP Navigation & Creation
Legal documentation regarding a child's educational path can be overwhelming for teams without a Teacher of the Deaf. Simplify the process with consultation from a licensed Teacher of the Deaf.
Curriculum Development
Modifications to the typical curriculum may be necessary to accommodate unique students in the classroom. Let an expert assist your district or classroom in modifying materials and assignments.
Instructional Strategies & Program Development Training
Each child is unique and may require different instructional methods, as based on the accommodations in the IEP. Training for general and special education teachers is necessary for educational access.
Programs within public school settings designed to accommodate and provide for academic, transition, and emotional success of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children are vital. Create a program with an expert licensed teacher with experience in this niche field.