The first few years of a baby’s life are crucial for building a strong language foundation. With early access to language — whether spoken, signed, or both — Deaf and Hard of Hearing infants can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
We offer a province-wide Early American Sign Language (ASL) Program to support families and promote early language and literacy development in Deaf and Hard of Hearing infants.
Our program includes:
- ASL instruction for families
Learn to communicate confidently and build stronger communication and connection at home through American Sign Language. - Guidance on ASL developmental milestones
Understand how your child’s language skills are progressing, with tools to track growth and celebrate milestones. Get tools and support to understand your child’s language journey. - Coaching in language acquisition strategies
Learn how to support your child’s language learning with personalized tips, strategies, and one-on-one coaching. - Play-based language development in ASL
Engage your child in fun, interactive, and age-appropriate activities that encourage natural language learning through play. - ASL Resources and Community Connection
Access curated ASL materials and connect with local Deaf community members and families with DHH child(ren), events, and support networks.
We’re here to build strong families and support children’s growth from the very start through language, connection, and community.
Who Can Participate?
This program is for families with Deaf or Hard of Hearing infants and children from birth to school entry and/or 6 years old living in Ontario who meet the Ontario Infant Hearing Program’s eligibility requirements.
Whether your family is brand new to ASL or already signing, we’ll meet you where you are!
How to Register
Getting started is easy!
Step 1: Reach out to your local IHP office and/or your IHP team member (i.e. IHP audiologist, IHP Speech & Language Pathologist – SLP, or Family Support Worker – FSW) and let them know that you are interested in IHP ASL Services for your child.
Step 2: Your IHP team member will send in a referral with us. An IHP ASL Consultant will connect with you to learn more about your family’s goals for your Deaf or Hard of Hearing child.
Step 3: Start your ASL journey with customized lessons and support!
Have Questions?
We’re here to help. Contact us any time to learn more about the program, meet our team, or ask questions about ASL, Deaf culture, and early language development.
Together, we can build a world of language, play, and connection for your child from the very start.
FAQs
Q: Why is it important for me as a parent/caregiver to be involved in ASL sessions?
A: Parents and family members are the most important people in a DHH infant’s language journey! Your involvement as a parent/caregiver is crucial for your child’s language development. When you learn ASL alongside your Deaf or Hard of Hearing child, you create a strong, natural environment for language development right at home. This shared language helps build your bond, boosts your child’s confidence, and supports their overall learning and social skills.
Being part of ASL sessions also gives you the tools and strategies you need to support your child’s growth every day. Plus, your active participation shows your child that their language is valued — and that encouragement can make all the difference.
Q: Who are the IHP ASL Consultants, and how can they support my child and family?
A: Our IHP ASL Consultants are Deaf — just like your child! They bring not only expert ASL skills but also rich lived experience and cultural knowledge. This means they can serve as powerful role models, showing your child the possibilities of Deaf identity and community.
By working closely with your family, they share insights, strategies, and encouragement that come from walking a similar path. Their unique perspective helps create a strong, positive connection to ASL and Deaf culture for both you and your child.
Q: Will learning ASL impact my child’s spoken language development?
A: Learning ASL will actually promote your child’s spoken language development. In fact, research shows that early access to a fully accessible language like ASL can provide a strong foundation for overall language skills, including spoken language. ASL supports your child’s communication, cognitive development, and literacy, helping them build confidence and language fluency in all forms.
It’s important to remember that Deaf and Hard of Hearing children are visual learners who naturally rely on visual cues to understand and process language. ASL, being a visual language, aligns with how your child experiences the world and learns best. This early visual access helps your child acquire language more easily and supports all areas of their development.
Many families find that knowing both ASL and spoken language opens more doors for their child’s social, educational, and personal growth. We’re here to support your family in finding the best language journey that fits your child’s needs.