It is a misconception that learning sign language hinders spoken language development for children with cochlear implants.
Research shows the opposite to be true. Deaf children of deaf parents, whose first language is sign language, end up having better spoken language skills once they are receive implants than deaf children of hearing parents who did not learn sign language.
For The Conversation, Professor of Deaf Education Kimberly A. Wolbers and Leala Holcomb, a postdoctoral researcher in language and literacy, discussed the success of cochlear implants in combination with sign language for deaf babies, and the window of opportunity for their language development.
In the first years of life, children absorb language like sponges as long as social interactions are accessible. The longer a child waits for meaningful language input, the greater the risk of never fully acquiring language. Read the full article on The Conversation.
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CONTACT:
Lindsey Owen (865-974-6375, lowen8@utk.edu)