Just Deaf

"It was a blessing in disguise, since we wanted to learn a new language anyway, and we enjoy it."

Schuurman family

Learning sign language

How much language input is necessary for proper acquisition of a language?

Can children learn sign language at school?

"In Norway they offer sign language to babies at school."

"At the day care they watched the Lotte & Max DVDs with the children, and that's how they learned how to sign."

"When Guus was three years old we were taught sign language at home."

"The best response is when people ask: could we join you for one of those sign language classes?"

Why is the first year of life so important for language acquisition?

"When family counseling started, we were taking sign language classes."

Why is it important for children to learn sign language if they have a CI?

"We run into all kinds of situations where we're forced to use sign language. That's quite exciting."

"I had to sign in public for the first time -- that was quite a big step."

"I think it's good, learning sign language from both a hearing and a deaf teacher."

Why is it important that parents learn sign language too?

"I learn all kinds of signs from Guus."

Is it difficult for parents to learn sign language?

How can you learn sign language as a parent?

"The sign language classes evolve alongside your child."

How early should you start learning a (first) language?

"Guus' first sign was MOMMY!"

Why is it important to start learning sign language before your child gets a CI?