Language Acquisition for Deaf Children in Mexico

The Language Acquisition Program encompasses several vital components and is progressing very successfully. Following the visit from Signs and Smiles.org in January, when EEESMA School for the Deaf teachers and staff were given professional guidance on how to better deal with the very challenging sign language deprivation in many of our students and their families, much  important work has been undertaken. 

A tailored initiative entitled “Escuela Para Padres de Niños Sordos or School for Parents of Children Who are Deaf” was launched by Directora Sanjuana Garcia Salgado. Along with the efforts of her teaching team and other professionals, this initiative aims to engage the parents of students attending EEESMA School for the Deaf in a more profound and meaningful way.

Undoubtedly, the involvement of parents plays a pivotal role in enhancing  understanding and acceptance of their child's deafness. To address this, special sessions have been designed at the school to provide parents with comprehensive support. These sessions offer many benefits, including improving their capacity to help guide their child effectively and to promote their child's independence and self-sufficiency. Moreover, parents will learn  strategies to motivate their child to interact more effectively within their surroundings, and actively involve their child in social settings. Achieving these objectives necessitates effective communication, therefore promoting sign language learning among parents and their children alike is crucial in reaching this goal.

From February to July of this year, a series of 12 sessions are planned, covering essential topics such as understanding the psychological implications of deafness, for the child as well as in the family of the child. These sessions have garnered exceptional attendance, indicating the keen interest and commitment of the parents. With the guidance of Psychologist Miriam Iveth Paredes Pedraza, the initial three sessions have addressed crucial topics including the formation of support networks among families, the significance of learning sign language, and the repercussions of language deprivation. All sessions actively encourage family participation and engagement in discussions. One participant, the young mother of a primary school student, exclaimed "I am so happy to be here and attending these classes. They has opened my heart and my mind to many new ideas".

Further sessions are planned in the coming months, and we eagerly anticipate sharing the outcomes with you in subsequent reports.

We extend our gratitude for your unwavering support of the Language Acquisition Program at EEESMA School for the Deaf, where families and their children receive comprehensive assistance through a holistic approach. And we thank you for the vital role you are playing to help to make this program a reality.

Links:

• School's Website

• School for Parents (DOCX)