By Kim Shauer
We recently hosted an online event featuring DHH Guides and role models who shared their experiences with parents of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. For those who couldn’t attend, here are the key themes along with real examples that bring these lessons to life.
Family Support and Early Advocacy
Parents play a critical role in shaping confidence and identity in their children. Positive language and proactive advocacy help children feel capable and included. s Role models spoke about the importance of explaining hearing differences to family, friends, teachers and connecting with the Deaf community or other deaf/hard of hearing peers.
One role model recalled watching their parents confidently explain to teachers that “she is capable of doing everything we want her to do.” Seeing this behaviour modelled through the years taught them how to ask for clarification and advocate for themselves later when needed.
Developing Self-Advocacy
Building on self-advocacy modelled early by parents often starts with small steps as opportunities arise:
- Ordering food independently, even when mistakes happen.
- Showing teachers how to use microphones or assistive devices.
- Preparing for communication challenges by writing notes or using apps.
One participant shared a vivid memory from at age seven when they ordered a Happy Meal on their own for the first time. They accidentally got a cheeseburger instead of chicken nuggets so their mom encouraged them to go back and ask for what they wanted. That small moment planted the seed of confidence that grew into lifelong advocacy skills.
Identity and Growth
Identity evolves over time for some DHH individuals. Supporting flexibility of language and identity helped our DHH role models discover what worked best for them.
For example, a role model identified as hard of hearing early on, shared how they embraced a Deaf identity later after experiencing exposure to a wider variety of deaf /hard of hearing peers and environments. Attending a school for the Deaf can be transformative for some students, fostering pride and self-esteem.
One participant described how attending Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. changed everything: “I realized ASL is my language. My self-esteem soared because I was finally in an environment where communication was fully accessible.”
Advocacy in Sports and Activities
Sports and recreation require creative solutions, so connect with coaches early to discuss positioning, visual signals or technology when appropriate, and share what works best for your child.
- Swimming: Using a teammate’s tap or light flash to signal the start of a race in addition to the whistle/bell.
- Volleyball: Setting clear communication strategies and signals with teammates.
- Snowboarding: Staying within sight of a partner and pausing to check in.
- Football and Wrestling: Using visual cues, taps, and flags when hearing devices aren’t practical or used.
- Music / Instruments: Use a visual metronome placed in front of the student or explore apps that provide visual or tactile rhythm cues.
One role model shared how their coach provided a simple adaptation of running around the wrestling ring to stay in their line of sight. On their Deaf football team, a bass drum was used during practice so DHH players could feel vibrations to signal drills.
Building Friendships and Social Confidence
Socialization can be challenging and friendships take time, but parents can help grow their child’s social confidence through opportunities for connection. Inclusion is possible and may require support and creativity. Some tips and examples shared were:
- Encourage participation in activities and remind children they can do anything if they try.
- Foster inclusive friendships with hearing peers who are patient and willing to adapt.
- Use creative ideas. One role model’s parent sent small treats to classmates at the start of the school year to help their child “break the ice”.
- Arrange playdates and connect with other deaf/hard of hearing peers. Another role model shared how meeting other DHH kids at community events gave them lifelong friendships.
It was an inspiring evening for parents meeting a variety of DHH role models who reminded us that deaf and hard of hearing children can thrive with the right supports. Early advocacy, positive language and opportunities for independence are powerful tools. Parents are left feeling empowered to encourage their children to speak up, explore different communication strategies and continue to connect with peers and role models to continue building a strong foundation for identity, confidence, and lifelong success.
