Resources for Working with the Deaf and HoH Community

Thanks for the inspiring message and great resources, Sara!

Dear ISN,

My nephew is the sunshine of my life. He just so happens to be deaf, and he and I talk (I learned sign language!) about how it’s one of the many, many qualities that makes him so special. He’s always accepted who he is without question, and he’s such an inspiration to me and everyone he meets.

As an educator, he’s also made me think about my approach to working with students who have unique needs like he does: what can I be doing to ensure these children thrive? When it comes down to it, I think the most important thing we can do no matter what role we play in these special kids’ lives is to make sure they feel included and supported.

On that note, I’ve come across some truly wonderful and inspiring information that offers ideas on how to do this.

Thanks,
Sara Bell

Here are the resources Sara shared. Enjoy!

Hearing Like Me
A community platform featuring news, tips, and personal stories from people with hearing loss, designed to support individuals and families.
https://www.hearinglikeme.com

National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
The leading civil rights organization for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in the U.S., offering advocacy, legal resources, and educational materials.
https://www.nad.org

American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC)
Dedicated to supporting families with Deaf children, ASDC provides access to resources, webinars, and American Sign Language (ASL) learning tools.
https://deafchildren.org

Hands & Voices
A parent-led organization offering support to families of children who are D/HH, with resources across communication modalities.
https://www.handsandvoices.org

Hands & Voices: Socialization for D/HH Children
This article explores the importance of social opportunities for D/HH children and offers practical tips for families and educators.
https://www.handsandvoices.org/needs/socialization.htm

Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
Provides educators and families with research-based practices and publications to support academic success for D/HH students.
https://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu

Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Offers free accessible media—including captioned and described videos—to support learning for students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, blind, or visually impaired.
https://dcmp.org

Maestra Web Captioner
A free, browser-based captioning tool that uses AI to generate real-time captions—ideal for classroom use and accessible communication.
https://maestra.ai/tools/web-captioner

College Planning for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
This comprehensive guide helps D/HH students prepare for college, covering accommodations, communication support, and financial aid options.
https://www.rntobsnprogram.com/college-planning-for-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-students/

Reading Together: Tips for Parents of Children with Hearing Loss or Deafness
Practical strategies from Reading Rockets for families to support literacy and engagement through shared reading experiences.
https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/reading-aloud/articles/reading-together-tips-parents-children-hearing-loss-or-deafness

Sign Language Games and Puzzles
This Verywell Health article provides fun, engaging activities to help children (and adults) learn and reinforce American Sign Language.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/sign-language-games-and-puzzles-1048723

Early Interactions Fact Sheet (National Center on Deaf-Blindness)
Outlines the importance of early communication and interaction strategies for infants and toddlers who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind.
https://www.nationaldb.org/info-center/early-interactions-factsheet/