Speech-Language Intervention for d/Deaf & Hard of Hearing Individuals

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Communication is a basic human right, but those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing may not have equal access to language and communication within their communities, workplaces, social circles or even families. Speech-Language Pathologists may play a role in assisting d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to develop their communication skills and increase their access to and participation in the community.

What does it mean to be Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing?

Deaf (with a capital D) refers to an individual who has some, little or no functional hearing AND who identifies as part of and participates in Deaf culture and language – in Canada, typically American Sign Language (ASL) or Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ; Quebec Sign Language).

  • deaf (with a small d) refers to an individual with little or no functional hearing. A person who is deaf may or may not consider themselves Deaf.

  • hard of hearing refers to an individual who has some measure of functional hearing. A person who is hard of hearing may or may not consider themselves Deaf.

The Speech-Language Pathologist’s role

Improving the quality of one’s speech is a common goal of speech therapy. However, SLPs recognize that for many Deaf individuals, developing or mastering verbal speech may not be an important or desirable goal. Speech-Language Pathologists do a lot more than just speech therapy. We can target goals related to:

  • receptive (understanding of) language skills;

  • expressive (use of) language skills;

  • social communication skills;

  • aural (re)habilitation & auditory comprehension skills;

  • speech clarity;

  • and more.

A Speech-Language Pathologist has specific expertise in developing and improving communication skills irrespective of the language you speak/use. For example, an SLP may:

  • suggest environmental modifications to maximize access to visual & verbal language;

  • recommend adaptations to routines to improve language comprehension skills;

  • assist with incorporating visual supports to promote receptive language skills;

  • help create opportunities to increase expressive language skills (sign language and/or verbal language);

  • support the development of self-advocacy skills.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help meet your needs or your child’s needs.

How can Lifemark Neurologic Physiotherapy help?

One of our Speech-Language Pathologists, Shari Eisen, worked with school-age d/Deaf and hard of hearing students at Alberta School for the Deaf for five years. During this time, she worked with students to improve their ability to:

  • express their wants, needs and feelings;

  • understand their environment, basic concepts and academic concepts;

  • engage in appropriate social interactions with peers and staff;

  • communicate with members of their community and with those outside of their community who did not know sign language;

  • attend to and understand their auditory environment, where appropriate;

  • develop their functional communication skills as they related to activities of daily living and social interaction;

  • speak English more clearly, if desired.

Shari provides communication, language and speech therapy in English and ASL.

Sign Language & Bilingualism

Sign languages, such as American Sign Language, are complete languages that have evolved over time in much the same way as spoken languages. They involve all of the grammatical aspects of spoken language, but those aspects are represented manually rather than verbally.

Research shows that individuals with a strong foundation in a language are much more likely to successfully learn and use a second language. This applies to those whose first language is a sign language as well. For example, those who develop strong ASL skills early in life are more likely to be able to successfully learn English.

Speech-Language Pathologists are not sign language instructors or interpreters, but they may use and/or recommend sign language to support language development. If you would like to improve your communication skills, please contact us to book a Speech-Language Pathology assessment. (Please note that the SLP cannot evaluate your level of ASL for the purposes of determining appropriate class placement. If you wish to learn ASL, please contact your local Deaf Association, university or college to explore class options.)

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