Written by Olivia

Edited by Helena

When becoming a foster parent any child may enter your home, including deaf children. As we are currently in Deaf Awareness Month (March 13- April 15), it is important to understand how you can support deaf foster children. Today we will be going over the challenges that may come with fostering or adopting a deaf child, as well as what resources are available to help make this transition easier for both you and your child. 

One of the first things to take into consideration when fostering a deaf child is that their social and emotional development may be behind their peers in that age group. Young deaf children  “tend to be about 18 months to two years behind their hearing peers.” This means that you may be caring for a child that is behind on important developmental milestones. Additionally, because this child has hearing impairments, they may not speak. It is not that they are unable to speak, their brains are just not trained to utilize their voices. You must also take into consideration that when you foster or adopt a deaf child you are now inherently becoming a part of deaf culture. Hopefully if you fostered or adopted a child from another race or ethnicity, you would try to make sure that they grew up understanding the culture they came from. Deaf children are no different, it is important that they are immersed in their culture as well. Parents and foster parents need to make sure that these children have access to the deaf community as well. 

How can you best support a deaf child coming into your home? 

  • Learn American Sign Language (ASL)
  • Enroll your child in a school specifically for the hearing impaired
  • Know the resources available to you
Learning ASL 

You may be welcoming deaf foster children into your home and are looking for the best way to support them. Learning ASL is a good way to make sure your child is introduced to the deaf community. Learning ASL might also help your child feel more comfortable and welcomed in your home, already having an easier method of communication. There are plenty of resources that one might be able to learn sign language, from youtube channels to organizations. Learning ASL for your adopted or foster child is something that can be made accessible. 

Get started learning the ASL alphabet now!

Enrolling in a Deaf School

If you live near one, try to enroll the child in a deaf school. Your adoptive or foster child may benefit from going to a deaf school. Enrolling in a deaf school can help them find a sense of belonging in their new placement. Rather than just sending them to a public school, attending the deaf school means they can develop a community as they try to adjust to their new home. 

Know what’s available for you as a Foster Parent 

Fostering a child with hearing impairments is a big step. However, you are not alone on this foster care journey. There are resources available to help you foster or adopt a hearing impaired child. Texas Health and Human Services has a list available of different resources to support hearing impaired individuals on their website. 

As Deaf Awareness month continues, it’s important to remember how you can support your hearing impaired foster and adoptive children. Being a foster parent can already be challenging and rewarding, being a foster parent to a hearing impaired child will also present another set of challenges and rewards. You are not alone, as there are plenty of opportunities and resources available to support you, as well as your hearing impaired foster child. 

References:

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing/dhhs-resources

https://www.mydeafchild.org/#welcome

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing/dhhs-resources