Finding the right words and communicating with children about COVID-19 may be difficult right now. Not all the resources out there meet the needs of all children. So, below are some resources that may help with communicating with deaf and hard of hearing children.
The Washington State Department of Health has created an eight-part American Sign Language video series explaining the various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These videos touch on topics like What is COVID-19, How is COVID-19 Spread, Prevention and Treatment, and more.
The American Society of Deaf Children also has some great resources to support students who are deaf/hard of hearing on their page Talking to Kids About Coronavirus: ASL and English Resources.
Aside from general talking points, supporting each other and coming together during this time to share our struggles, questions, and advice can be so uplifting and helpful. If you and your family need additional connections with others navigating these trying times, here are a couple places to start:
Washington Hands & Voices Online Support Group : Simply request access by clicking Join if you are a member of Facebook. “This group welcomes parents and caregivers of children who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Deaf Plus and Hard of Hearing. We honor and support all communication opportunities, methods and modalities, as well as decisions families must make to support their child’s individual and unique needs. Our motto is, “What works for your child makes the choice right.”
Guide By Your Side : If you are not a member of Facebook, you can still receive support through Washington Hands & Voices. Guide By Your Side provides “unbiased, emotional support and resources by trained Parent Guides to families with children with hearing loss.”
Navigating next steps in your child’s education is no doubt confusing and anxiety ridden right now, especially if your child has special education needs. Here are some resources that may offer insight and answer questions you may have.
Resources to Support Special Education Students:
Finally, if you just need a way to escape and enjoy some stories online, The Seattle Public Library has hundreds of ASL Signed Stories to share with your family. Might I recommend Bear Takes a Trip to get your journey started?
This is just a small sampling of resources available to help your family discussions around COVID-19, but the library is here to help support your discussions and help you navigate the onslaught of information coming at you. Our LEAP (Library Equal Access Program) is still available to assist you and answer your questions as they arise. Please feel free to reach out using the following information:
Let us know how you are doing, and if we may be able to provide assistance during this time of the Library closure. There are Library programs and resources available on our webpage Staying Home.
Please feel free to contact us at leap@spl.org.
~posted by Erin M.
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