Family-Centered Practices and American Sign Language (ASL): Challenges and Recommendations

Families with children who are deaf face many important decisions, especially the mode(s) of communication their children will use. The purpose of this focus group study was to better understand the experiences and recommendations of families who chose American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary mode of communication and to identify strategies that empowered or hindered feelings of acceptance and belonging with regard to their deafness and use of ASL. Results from two focus groups with a total of 10 participants indicate a need for continued professional development about the complexities of self-identity, Deaf culture, and modes of communication for families with ASL users. Strategies to help professionals strengthen family-centered practices within special education services are emphasized.