Family Resources

American Society for Deaf Children
A national organization of families and professionals that helps create opportunities for children who are deaf and hard of hearing to gain full communication access, particularly through the use of sign language.

Texas Hands and Voices 
Nonprofit, parent driven organization that provides support to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Inc.
Provides emotional support and access to information as a central resource for families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, age birth through 21 years of age.

Family Voices
A national, grassroots organization that is a clearinghouse for information and education concerning the health care of children with special health needs

Therapy Services
Make preview sentence: “Find ASL therapists in your area”

Ministry

APSDA (Asia Pacific Sign Language Development Association)
The Deaf Bible Society works with various ministries to offer the global Deaf community unlimited and free Bible access in their heart sign language.

Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD)
The Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf is a ministry that brings the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Deaf of Jamaica. The ministry provides the Deaf education in sign language, training in vocational areas, mentoring and encouragement of local leaders, and promoting outreach, community, worship, and continuing education.

Deaf Bible Society
The Deaf Bible Society works with various ministries to offer the global Deaf community unlimited and free Bible access in their heart sign language.

Deaf Family Ministries
An international, non-profit, Biblically-based, non-denominational ministry dedicated to deaf people and their families. Their mission is to provide teaching to win people to Christ, help deaf families grow in relationship with Christ and each other, and build Deaf ministries and churches. They offer family workshops and seminars as well as a variety of books, tapes, and other materials.

The Deaf Institute
This ministry, based in Cincinnati, OH, serves churches interested in starting Deaf ministries and also serves deaf children and their parents. They inform people about deafness, teach sign language, develop interpreters, and encourage the development of leaders in the Deaf community.

Deaf Ministries Worldwide
Sending HIS Light and Truth to Deaf people everywhere. That’s the mission goal of this dynamic ministry from Sulphur, OK. Founded by a deaf man and his wife, DMW offers a number of ministry materials. They have a beautiful retreat center for Deaf pastors and missionaries to find rest and renewal.

Deaf Missions
This is one of the largest free-standing Deaf ministries in the US. Located in Council Bluffs, IA, they offer a number of videos, books, and other materials either for purchase or through their lending library. They are in the process of translating the entire Bible into ASL. They also produce Daily Devotionals for the deaf; they offer a Deaf family camp in the summer, in addition to too many programs to mention here. Their website is huge. Go check it out.

Deaf Video Communications
Deaf Video Communications of America, Inc. (DVC) has a wonderful facility in Carol Stream, IL, which houses a lending library of ASL and captioned videos, a video production facility which produces original ministry-oriented materials in sign language, and a conference center which hosts educational and inspirational workshops for deaf people and those who are involved in Deaf ministry. DVC is dedicated to (1) evangelize the Deaf with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, (2) assist the Deaf in their walk and growth with the Lord, and (3) support the pastors and missionaries worldwide who are already ministering to the Deaf.

Gospel Ministries for the Deaf
Founded in 1971, GMD exists to use all means available to win the Deaf to faith in Christ. Best known for their Northwest Christian Camp for the Deaf and their work with the Patterned Language method, they have also worked in the leadership of the D-E-A-F for Christ Education Coalition.

International Institute of Deaf Services
Paul William Ellis formed this ministry in 1994 to train and enable deaf individuals and interpreters, and work with the Deaf to evangelize and train others. They offer ASL workshops, seminars, and conferences.

DOOR International
DOOR International (formerly Deaf Opportunity Out Reach) is involved in developing strong Deaf churches in several nations of the world. They run several regional training centers where they seek to equip and empower Deaf “nationals” to bring the light of Jesus into their culture.

Deaf Teen Quest
The best way to understand Deaf Teen Quest is as a “Youth For Christ”-type outreach ministry for deaf teenagers. Currently there are six affiliates… Louisville, Cincinnati, Danville/Lexington (KY), Omaha, Mobile, and Portland (OR). Three more (including Indianapolis) are in the developing stages. They also sponsor the annual Deaf Teen Ministry National Symposium and two summer camps for Deaf teens. It’s an exciting program.

Deaf Ministries Connections
This list, lovingly compiled and constantly updated by Earl and Shirley Wilbur, is the most complete “raw” list of churches, ministries, and resources we’ve found. There is a lot of stuff in here, and because people and ministries change so quickly, even with all their efforts, it’s hard to keep up with everything. Still, it is worth your while to have a copy of this.

Silent Blessings Deaf Ministries
Silent Blessings ministry encourages and supports churches establishing Deaf ministries as well as supporting leadership training for Deaf pastors and church planters. Silent Blessings also produces a children’s television program, Dr. Wonder’s Workshop. Dr. Wonder’s Workshop is performed by Deaf actors in ASL and a wonderful tool to instill Biblical values in children.

Communication Resources

Life Print
Life Print offers an online curriculum for learning American Sign Language. There are video lessons, practice sentences as well as Deaf culture and history lessons.

ASL Pro
ASL Pro is an online dictionary. Search by the English word to find the corresponding sign.

ASL NookASL Nook provides the opportunity for you to learn sign language by entering into the home of a Deaf family. Their YouTube channel is loaded with numerous heart-warming videos that are easy to follow.

Communication Services for State Agencies (CSSA) Contractors
Interpreter services listed by state

Signing Savvy
ASL online dictionary

Visual Language and Visual Learning Center (Gallaudet University)
A wealth of resources on sign language and Deaf culture. The site contains a parents’ package with information on how to foster and encourage Deaf children.

National Deaf Association
Information on Deaf culture

Auditory Learning Centre
The Center’s objective is to promote listening and speaking as a way of life for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Cued Speech
A comprehensive source of information on Cued Speech. Includes resources, online forums, general information, and a link to CuedSpeech.net for further information.

National Cued Speech Association
Nonprofit membership organization that provides information about Cued Speech and its applications and educational services. Establishes standards for Cued Speech and certifies Cued Speech instructors and transliterators.

The S.E.E. (Signing Exact English) Center for the Advancement of Deaf Children
Although this is not strictly a site for information on Total Communication, S.E.E. is often used in Total Communication programs.
Nonprofit organization to work with parents and educators of children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Provides information on Signing Exact English and its uses with the goal of improving English skills and communication.

Telecommunications for the Deaf (TDI)
TDI, in collaboration with its partners, serves as a national leader in policy, advocacy, education, and innovation to foster full accessibility, equity, and inclusion in Information and Communications Technology.

Deaf Education

Sunshine Cottage School for the Deaf (San Antonio, TX) 
Providing the very best early identification and intervention services for infants, birth to three years of age, Sunshine Cottage offers a comprehensive day-school program for children, preschool through fifth grade, with state-of-the-art educational and hearing technology. Classes are taught by master-level educators, certified in deaf-education.

Texas School for the Deaf
Texas School for the Deaf ensures students learn, grow and belong in a language- rich environment while supporting students, families and professionals through statewide outreach service.

Gallaudet University
The world’s first four-year liberal arts university exclusively for deaf students. All undergraduate courses taught in ASL. A true center for Deaf cultural awareness. Located in Washington, DC.

Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
An outstanding program featuring technical training in a variety of areas. Classes taught in ASL. A part of the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY

UT Health & Science Center San Antonio
This program is one of only a handful in the country that provides intensive training in how to help children with hearing loss develop spoken language through the use of residual hearing, high-powered hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Council on Education of the Deaf
This site facilitates informational sharing and collaborative activities within the field of deaf education.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS), U.S. Department of Education (ED) (Federal Website)
OSERS supports programs that help educate children and youth with disabilities, provides for the rehabilitation of youth and adults with disabilities and supports research to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Parents as Teachers National Center, Inc. (PAT)
PAT is an international early childhood parent education and family support program. PAT serves families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5. The program is designed to enhance child development and school achievement through parent education accessible to all families. It is a universal access model.

Books

No Excuses by Derrick Coleman – This book tells the inspiring story of how Derrick Coleman overcame many obstacles and became the first deaf athlete to play defense in the NFL. Even from a young age, he refused to let his hearing loss define him and achieved his dreams.

Let’s Hear it For Amigal! by Wendy Kupfer – This outstanding children’s book tells the story of a little girl with hearing loss who finds her place in a hearing world. It is a great story that will be loved by children with and without hearing loss.

Rally Caps by Stephen J. Cutler, Jodi Cutler Del Dottore– This story of a friendship that forms between two adolescent boys – one deaf and the other hearing – is an inspiring, riveting, and thought provoking novel that is sure to entertain readers with hearing loss or without.

Abby Gets a Cochlear Implant by Maureen Cassidy Riski – This children’s story about Abby’s journey through hearing loss and her family’s decision to use a cochlear implant is inspiring for children with hearing loss and informative for children without hearing loss.

Happy Birthday to My Ears by Elizabeth Boschini and Rachel Chaikof – Follow Jack, a little boy who is profoundly deaf, but is now experiencing sound with the help of a cochlear implant.

Sophie’s Tales by Melanie Paticoff – This adorable fictional children’s book about a dog named Sophie with hearing loss is sure to entertain and inform children.

Dawnsign Press
American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Materials (books, videos, workbooks, etc.)

Sign Media, Inc
Videotapes and print materials on American Sign Language and American Deaf Culture

About Hearing Loss

Tinnitus: Causes, Types and Treatment Options

Hearing Loss: Signs, Types and Treatment Options

Compare Reviews of Hearing Aids

Additional Resources

Texas DHH Programs- RDSPD Regional Day School Program for the Deaf
https://www.texasdeafed.org/Page/581

Statewide Outreach Center:Deaf Education in Texas
https://www.texasdeafed.org/

STAP
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing/stap-services

Tuition Waver
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing/tuition-waiver

Handspeak.com
https://www.handspeak.com/

ECI- Early Childhood Intervention Services https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services-eci

A Silent World Deaf Center – This organization is for all ages. In person or virtual services available
https://thedeafzoneasw.wixsite.com/travelingcamp

Just in Time – Resources to Support Families of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
https://www.infanthearing.org/just-in-time/

National Organizations for Parents
https://www.babyhearing.org/parenting/national-organizations