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American Sign Language, ASL, is a fully developed, highly sophisticated language that enables all Deaf infants and children to participate equally in their families and schools.

Deaf Babies and Children are still deprived of language acquisition and learning at an all-time alarming rate.

Research proves that early access to language acquisition and learning in American Sign Language enhances language, cognitive, social, and emotional development in Deaf infants and children. ASL also enhances the development of speech skills.

Dr. Rachel Mayberry from McGill University Montreal states that “the brain absolutely needs language during infancy and toddlerhood in order to learn how to learn…” Research shows that children who grow up deprived of language tend to have severe cognitive problems throughout life.

Early Intervention Programs are failing and are one-sided. Medical doctors and nurses typically are parents’ first contacts regarding Deaf issues. Rather than being referred to actual Deaf experts, parents are given information that does not address the child’s language or educational needs. Parents of Deaf babies have very little, if any, first contacts with Deaf experts to learn research-based information.

Alexander Graham Bell Association, (AGBell), is aggressively promoting Audio-Verbal Therapy, (AVT), as part of their six-million-dollar campaign: “Hear From the Start—Talk for a Lifetime”. Their point #3 of the AVT ’s description states: “Guide and coach parents to help their children use hearing as the primary sensory modality in developing spoken language without the use of sign language or emphasis on lipreading.”

As more and more Deaf children and youth are mainstreamed into public schools and AVT programs, they are being denied full access to ASL, English, full access to academics through language-rich environments, peers, and role models. The long-term consequences may include social, emotional, and intellectual problems.

* DBC promotes the early acquisition of American Sign Language for all Deaf Babies and Children. DBC promotes the acquisition of English as a second language. Bilingualism promotes the respect of both ASL and English as two separate languages; both having extreme value to cognitive and literacy development. DBC recognizes amplification, speech and listening training as supplementary tools used alongside American Sign Language if the child shows evidence that these techniques will be beneficial and not impact social and emotional development.