2022 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Virtual Conference

March 13 - 15, 2022

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3/06/2023  |   11:30 AM - 12:00 PM   |  Visual languages: A crucial part of early language acquisition for DHH children   |  DECC 212

Visual languages: A crucial part of early language acquisition for DHH children

Early hearing detection and intervention service is shifting attention away from visual mode of communication to the auditory channel of communication. Majority of the intervention services provided for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) children are speech-compliant with pro-speech professionals gradually phasing out visual language approach practitioners. Unfortunately, the speech outcomes of DHH children in oral approach intervention programs have not achieved maximum age-appropriate proficiency (Geers, et. al., 2017). This means that there are some gaps unfilled by exposure to speech only when it comes to the language experience of these children. Deficiency of language acquisition puts DHH children at a developmental disadvantage, thus calling for more effective intervention approaches. The brain of a child recognizes both visual and auditory language inputs and has the ability to process simultaneous exposure to two or more languages. Both gesture language and ASL are visual languages that can support speech acquisition and social-emotional and cognitive development of a child. This conceptual paper will attempt to justify the need for purposive concurrent use of visual languages (gesture language and ASL) with speech in early hearing and intervention services for DHH children.

  • The participants will be able to identify the shortfalls of speech-only approach to early hearing intervention services
  • The participants will be able to describe the benefits that the inclusion of visual languages in early hearing intervention offers
  • The participants will be able to design language acquisition programs that mainstream oral and visual languages simultaneously

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Presenters/Authors

Bernice Adekeye (), Gallaudet University, gent2nice@yahoo.com;
I am a first year Ph.D student in the Department of Education, Gallaudet University. I completed both my first and masters' degree at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. I have a blend of Deaf Education and Chemistry background with several years teaching experience with DHH students in Nigeria. I've had a first hand taste of what language deprivation means to DHH children and I am very passionate to commit to endeavors aimed at alleviating the challenge from its foundation. I am a many time merit award winner both locally in my home country and at international level. I was a student participant (representing my school) at the 2022 EHDI conference, and I was at CCMV Public Health and Policy Conference, Ontario Canada in August 2022 as a poster presenter. Funfact about me: Shedding tears doesn't come handy for me.


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