This book focuses on the early acquisition of signed languages and the later development of reading by children who use signed languages. It represents the first collection of research papers focused solely on the acquisition of various signed languages by very young children--all of whom are acquiring signed languages natively, from deaf parents. It is also the first collection to investigate the possible relationships between the acquisition of signed language and reading development in school-aged children. The underlying questions addressed by the chapters are how visual-gestural languages develop and whether and how visual languages can serve the foundation for learning a second visual representation of language, namely, reading.
"Language Acquisition by Eye" is divided into two parts, anchored in the toddler phase and the school-pupil phase. The central focus of Part I is on the earliest stages of signed language acquisition. The chapters in this part address important questions as to what "babytalk" looks like in signed language and the effect it has on babies' attention, what early babbling looks like in signed language, what babies' earliest signs look like, how parents talk to their babies in signed language to ensure that their babies "see" what's being said, and what the earliest sentences in signed languages tell us about the acquisition of grammar. With contrasting research paradigms, these chapters all show the degree to which parents and babies are highly sensitive to one another's communicative interactions in subtle and complex ways. Such observations cannot be made for spoken language acquisition because speech does not require that the parent and child look at each other during communication whereas signed language does.
Part II focuses on the relationship between signed language acquisition and reading development in children who are deaf. All of these chapters report original research that investigates and uncovers a positive relationship between the acquisition and knowledge of signed language and the development of reading skills and as a result, represents a historical first in reading research. This section discusses how current theory applies to the case of deaf children's reading and presents new data that illuminates reading theory. Using a variety of research paradigms, each chapter finds a positive rather than a negative correlation between signed language knowledge and usage, and the development of reading skill. These chapters are sure to provide the foundation for new directions in reading research.

First Published in 1999. The majority of pupils who are deaf or hearing impaired are educated in mainstream classes. This means that mainstream teachers will not only come into contact with these pupils, but will have the responsibility for teaching them. There is a wide range of pupils covered by the title of the book: some deaf pupils will wear hearing aids, some will have a fluctuating hearing loss, and others will prefer to communicate using sign language. If this book succeeds in giving mainstream teachers, learning support assistants and others who may meet deaf and hearing impaired pupils in school a greater understanding not only of the difficulties which these pupils may face but also of the contribution which they can make to the school then it will have fulfilled its aim.

The way in which education is provided for deaf children is changing, as are the demands made on teachers, both in special settings and in mainstream schools. This book offers a comprehensive account of recent research and current issues in educational policy, psychology, linguistics and audiology, as they relate to the education of the deaf and includes detailed information about further reading. It should be of interest to student teachers and teachers of the deaf, teachers in mainstream schools, academics working in the area of deafness and disability, audiologists and cochlear implant teams, parents of deaf children, and members of the deaf community.

This book is an introduction to audiology for those who have little or no knowledge of the subject. It introduces basic aspects of audiology in a clear and accessible way. This initial knowledge is then developed to a depth which allows the reader to access more specialised journals and textbooks.

Edna Edith Sayers has written the definitive biography of T. H. Gallaudet (1787-1851), celebrated today as the founder of deaf education in America. Sayers traces Gallaudet's work in the fields of deaf education, free common schools, literacy, teacher education and certification, and children's books, while also examining his role in reactionary causes intended to uphold a white, Protestant nation thought to have existed in New England's golden past. Gallaudet's youthful social and political entanglements included involvement with Connecticut's conservative, state-established Congregational Church, the Federalist Party, and the Counter-Enlightenment ideals of Yale (where he was a student). He later embraced anti-immigrant, anti-abolition, and anti-Catholic efforts, and supported the expatriation of free African-Americans to settlements on Africa's west coast. As much a history of the paternalistic, bigoted, and class-conscious roots of a reform movement as a story of one man's life, this landmark work will surprise and enlighten both the hearing and Deaf worlds.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a debilitating neurological condition in which the brain is unable to effectively process sounds and speech. An estimated 5 - 10% of children are affected uniquely. APD can have a significant impact on all aspects of lifelong communication. This authoritative guide includes advice on how to identify, diagnose and support the condition in children, teenagers and adults. It provides everyday strategies based on 20 years of research to try at home, at school and at work. This book aims to help families, teachers and other professionals to understand and support those living with this complex invisible disability. Containing supportive case studies, the book addresses a range of prevalent issues, including relationships, self-esteem, confidence and mental health, making this a comprehensive guide for all things APD.

This collection of research in deafness and education should be of interest to UK and overseas readers alike. It addresses key aspects of research in the UK within the areas of learning support, understanding progress and achievement and interaction at home and at school. Its content should be of interest to a wide range of professionals: teachers; doctors; audiologists; habilitation staff; speech and language therapists; and academics such as lecturers and researchers. For students of deaf education and special educational needs, as well as some parents of deaf children, it should serve as a useful contemporary text.

The editors' aim has been to make current and on-going research from a variety of disciplines accessible to this wide range of readers. Descriptions of research context and up-to-date referencing in each chapter should prove useful as sources and hints for further reading.

This book provides an essential resource for all professionals involved with the educational management of deaf children.

This book examines critically three broad categories of communication approach which are currently advocated by the different schools of thinking concerned with the socialization and education of deaf children. These are: the "auditory-oral," the "total communication" and the "bilingual approach." In each case the claims for the approach are identified, the arguments offered for are assessed and the counter-claims made by the critics are presented. The research relating to the efficacy of each approach is reviewed and the validity of the available evidence is examined. The unresolved ideological and political features of the debate are also discussed.

This book is addressed primarily to teachers of the deaf, student teachers of the deaf and parents of deaf children. It should also be useful to professionals such as speech therapists and educational psychologists who work with deaf children.

Reviews work in the area of communication and communication skills as they relate to the hearing-impaired child. Topics covered include: the aims of human communication; cognitive mechanisms; and speech intelligibility.

From an early age, deaf children excel in thinking about and remembering what they learn through visual spatial instruction. This strength in information processing can be used in the mathematics classroom to achieve better learning outcomes.

This book discusses ways to teach deaf children about the four arithmetic operations through spatial representation in problem solving. Examples for the teaching of fractions and graphs are also included. These visual representations are useful to support the children's understanding of mathematical concepts and to promote peer collaboration.

The teaching programme was tested with deaf children in six schools with excellent results: the children in the project made significantly more progress in one school year than expected for either deaf and hearing children over the same time.

This work was made possible through the generous support of The Nuffield Foundation.

Ears, Eyes, and Hands presents the author's reflections on language, literacy, and linguistics that have been shaped by her deafness and by her work as an educator. In short, engaging narratives, Deborah L. Wolter exposes deeply entrenched attitudes and stereotypes regarding language, bringing to bear her own experiences as a deaf person as well as her interactions with children from varying backgrounds. Wolter reveals and rectifies the impact of deficit mindsets in the educational system regarding race, ethnicity, economic status, gender, and disability. As a literacy specialist, she works with students who fall through the cracks in a system that strives to embrace the diverse backgrounds and abilities found in the classroom. Her passion for engaging students and cultivating literacy shines in the stories she tells, which serve as parables that allow readers to evaluate their own attitudes and assumptions. Educators, parents, and community members will benefit from Wolter's examination of sociolinguistics and language privilege as she identifies how ethnocentrism and ableism are contributing to negative educational outcomes for some students. With humor and warmth, she offers a path toward approaching language and listening as a gateway to connection and understanding, both inside the classroom and beyond.

Now in a revised and updated second edition, Early Listening Skills is a practical manual for use with children and young people with underdeveloped listening skills related to hearing loss. Thirteen clear and easy to follow sections focus on skills such as auditory detection, discrimination, recognition, sequencing and memory. Each one is filled with a series of carefully designed activities to stimulate and develop auditory awareness and discrimination skills in children with a range of developmental levels and abilities. Features include: A wide range of activities suited to both the early years and home settings Links to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and topics reflecting the EYFS and Key Stage 1 curriculum Photocopiable material designed to document the child's development over time As most of the activities are non-verbal, they are well suited for children with limited spoken language as well as children with special educational needs and disability and English as an additional language (EAL) learners. Whilst primarily designed for early years practitioners, special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs), specialist teachers, therapists and other professionals, the activity sheets and guidance also make it an invaluable tool for parents and caregivers looking to stimulate listening skills at home.

The information on ethics in education in general is quite limited. Indeed most practising teachers (general and special education) know little detail of existing codes of ethics for their profession, or whether one even exists. In the past, options for parents and professionals were fewer or non-existent in most aspects. Not that long ago, the choice of an educational program for many children was a "fait accompli" given that there was only one school for the deaf. Now, educational options exist for perhaps the majority of children with hearing losses--options that span the service range of residential schools to full integration. Further, within these educational settings, the language and method of instruction is also variable, spanning the range from auditory/verbal to bilingual-bicultural. Technological changes have also increased a range of tests for identifying the presence and degree of hearing loss at a very early age.
Ethics in Deaf Education introduces and clarifies, in a structured manner, the many possible ethical considerations concerning the provision of educational services and habilitation for young children with hearing losses. The decisions that parents or guardians make on behalf of their children, often based on the contributions of educators, habilitation/rehabilitation specialists, and the Deaf and medical communities, deserve an airing in a comprehensive manner. What are the issues concerning amplification, implantation, visual communication systems, and sign languages? What technological route should the parents take? What language should they be trying to develop in their child? What educational setting and approach will best satisfy the needs of their childand themselves for the present and foreseeable future?
No other book has combined the factors of ethics, education, and deafness, to discuss a variety of topics that concern parents and professionals who have and work with young children with hearing losses. Concise, readable chapters have been written by a cross-section of experienced academics, researchers, and educators; each begins with an "ethical dilemma" and expands to consider new technologies and educational options. Each chapter ends with a list of suggested readings and ethical questions for consideration.

Muffin is a quirky little fish full of fun ideas. What will he get up to next? This picture book targets the /f/ sound, and is part of Speech Bubbles 1, a series of picture books that target specific speech sounds within the story. The series can be used for children receiving speech therapy, for children who have a speech sound delay/disorder, or simply as an activity for children's speech sound development and/or phonological awareness. They are ideal for use by parents, teachers or caregivers. Bright pictures and a fun story create an engaging activity perfect for sound awareness. Please see other titles in the series for stories targeting other speech sounds.

Historically, research on spoken language testing dates back to the late 1920s with the majority of work starting around the time of World War II. In contrast, signed language assessment research is a young area, nested within signed language linguistics, deaf education, and applied linguistics. To this day, very few signed language tests that can be used in applied contexts are available for learners of a signed language. This volume addresses issues that are inherent to language assessment development, regardless of the modality of the language. Comprised of 36 chapters, the book takes a new approach to exploring theoretical and practical issues related to assessment of signed and spoken languages by bringing together well known experts from both fields to engage in stimulating discussions about key issues related to language assessment. Grouped around twelve topics, the volume editors present different perspectives to emphasize the points of similarity and chart a path for future interdisciplinary collaborations .

The obstacles to valid and meaningful assessment of deaf and hard of hearing children and adolescents are great, yet professionals are regularly asked to conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine resource and program eligibility, test modifications in school, classroom and home recommendations, and referrals. In this important new text, the authors define the skills required of the examiners, explain the complex nature of these assessments, and describe ways to intelligently use existing tests. Authors Margery Miller, Tania Thomas-Presswood, Kurt Metz, and Jennifer Lukomski bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this in-depth treatment of topics essential to educators and school psychologists. They cover such critical areas as test construction and measurement; the diversity in American Deaf culture; the role of parents in the assessment process; neuropsychological assessments; nonverbal methods for assessing intelligence; and the need for sign language competency when testing cognitive and language skill. The text concludes with recommendations for the development of valid and reliable tests for all students who are deaf and hard of hearing.

In this volume, Stephanie W. Cawthon and Carrie Lou Garberoglio discuss the individual and systemic factors that both facilitate and inhibit the attainment of postsecondary education, training, and career goals for deaf individuals. Real-life examples and current research are combined in this consideration of the interactions between individuals and the many layers of the overall system in which they navigate. In addition to using a systems theory approach, the authors employ resiliency models that emphasize how deaf individuals persist through the transition process amidst the barriers that reside within larger educational and social systems. Employment, independent living, and community involvement are a few of the postsecondary outcomes that are covered. Shifting the Dialog, Shifting the Culture addresses critical issues that influence how deaf individuals reach their postsecondary goals and is designed for a diverse audience that includes professionals who work (or are training to work) with deaf individuals, policy makers, as well as federal and state personnel.

A volume in Research on Sociocultural Influences on Motivation and Learning Series Editor: Dennis M. McInerney, The Hong Kong Institute of Education Auditory processing disorders, reading and writing disorders, language disorders, and other related disorders - these disorders seem distinct among one another from historical and professional practice perspectives but more and more research suggests that they in fact overlap in many ways including clinical presentations, suspected underlying causes, diagnostic criteria, and re/habilitation strategies. On January 4-7, 2012, the conference Global Conference on Disorders in Auditory Processing, Literacy, Language & Related Sciences (APLL 2012) was held in The Hong Kong Institute of Education. This was the world's first platform for interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations on ways we can better serve children who suffer from the above closely related disorders through future research. Due to the huge success of APLL2012, to promote continuous discussions of the conference theme, the conference organizing committee decided to invite scholars, scientists, and practitioners to contribute their work to the eleventh volume in the Research on Sociocultural Influences on Motivation and Learning research monograph series. This volume is focused on issues in typical and disordered developments in auditory processing, literacy, and language across different cultural and linguistic contexts in Asia, Europe and North America. The contributors of this volume offer insightful theoretical and practical ideas to shape future directions in research, assessment, intervention, and education. This is an intriguing and inspiring volume for students, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of speech-language pathology, audiology, developmental psychology, educational psychology, neuropsychology, and other related disciplines. By bringing in respective leaders in the fields, we hope that this book will open new windows to promote advancements in related research initiatives, continuing cross disciplinary discussions and collaborations on ways that we can better service individuals suffer from these closely related disorders through future research.

Auditory processing disorders, reading and writing disorders, language disorders, and other related disorders - these disorders seem distinct among one another from historical and professional practice perspectives but more and more research suggests that they in fact overlap in many ways including clinical presentations, suspected underlying causes, diagnostic criteria, and re/habilitation strategies. On January 4-7, 2012, the conference Global Conference on Disorders in Auditory Processing, Literacy, Language & Related Sciences (APLL 2012) was held in The Hong Kong Institute of Education. This was the world's first platform for interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations on ways we can better serve children who suffer from the above closely related disorders through future research. Due to the huge success of APLL2012, to promote continuous discussions of the conference theme, the conference organizing committee decided to invite scholars, scientists, and practitioners to contribute their work to the eleventh volume in the Research on Sociocultural Influences on Motivation and Learning research monograph series. This volume is focused on issues in typical and disordered developments in auditory processing, literacy, and language across different cultural and linguistic contexts in Asia, Europe and North America. The contributors of this volume offer insightful theoretical and practical ideas to shape future directions in research, assessment, intervention, and education. This is an intriguing and inspiring volume for students, researchers, and practitioners in the fields of speech-language pathology, audiology, developmental psychology, educational psychology, neuropsychology, and other related disciplines. By bringing in respective leaders in the fields, we hope that this book will open new windows to promote advancements in related research initiatives, continuing cross disciplinary discussions and collaborations on ways that we can better service individuals suffer from these closely related disorders through future research.

Increased interaction between sign language communities and the mainstream societies in which they function is creating the potential for greater equality of opportunity for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. In this volume, renowned scholars and policy makers from around the world present innovative and groundbreaking perspectives on the relationships among sign language, sustainable development, and equal opportunities. The contributors to this volume offer creative and open-minded explorations of the construct of sustainability that are informed by their work with deaf individuals, deaf communities, families of deaf children, and other stakeholders. Sign Language, Sustainable Development, and Equal Opportunities describes sustainability in relation to: identity, resilience, and wellbeing partic ipatory citizenship historical perspectives on sign language use in educational contexts sign language learning and teaching human rights and inclusive education literate thought and literacy the sign language factor and the development of sign language communities in sub-Saharan Africa sign language legislation These changing communities' understanding of what is required to become sustainable in areas such as full participation and citizenship in society, economic well-being, access to quality education, and cultural and linguistic identity is also taking new forms. This work contributes to the paradigm shifts regarding deaf emancipation and deaf education taking place around the world.