What do we mean by Deaf & Disability in Early Childhood?
The ICI’s Deaf & Disability in Early Childhood Center (DDECC) supports research, training, and consultation related to families and their children with disabilities or children who are deaf (including D/deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, or DeafDisabled).
We engage families, educators, service providers, medical and allied health professionals, and anyone working in systems that promote research and policy for deaf children, children with disabilities, and families.
- Explore our Research page for information about our 5 focus areas.
- Are you looking for professional development or capacity building? Visit our Training & Consultation page.
- Are you a professional who wants to understand a joy-based approach to working with families? Check out our resources on the Fostering Joy page.
- Are you a family member or caregiver looking for ideas to improve your interactions with your child? Or a service provider wondering where to direct families to learn more? Visit our Resources for Families & Professionals page.
Early Childhood
Early childhood is the time between birth and 8 years. This is a crucial life stage that involves rapid and meaningful growth. Essential foundations are laid that contribute to overall human development, including cognition, language, and social-emotional functioning. Attention to early childhood development is especially important in children who have disabilities or who are deaf.
Deaf
We use the term deaf inclusively, referring to children who are Deaf (culturally), deaf (audiologically), DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled as well as those who are hard of hearing.
Thus, an individual who is deaf can have reduced hearing levels or no perception of hearing. They can communicate in a variety of ways, such as with sign language or spoken language, or with support of communication tools. They may or may not use or benefit from hearing assistive technologies like hearing aids or cochlear implants.
We honor the variety of identities and the communities to which deaf children and their families may belong.
Disability
Children with disabilities often face unique and complex barriers to accessing services and supports. The DDECC focuses on the provision of support and services for children with all disabilities, including children with complex communication needs, such as children who communicate with the support of augmentative or alternative communication (AAC).